The United States has approved a potential sale of AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Germany, in a deal valued at around £1 billion, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The proposed package covers up to 400 AIM-120D-3 missiles, 12 guidance sections and one integrated test vehicle, alongside telemetry kits, encryption devices, spare parts, training equipment and software support. RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia, is listed as the main contractor.
In its statement, the DSCA said the sale would “support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The agency added that the deal would enhance Germany’s air-to-air combat capability as it brings the F-35 fighter into service, while also strengthening shared NATO training and operational planning. The proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the statement said.
And Meteor …?
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Maybe Tempest won’t integrate AMRAAMs for 20 years, for revenge.
If we were in a remotely equal battle I reckon that would happen, the present regime in particular, but even more generally it’s the only message they understand. Until Europe along with Canada, Australia and other defence buyers become far greater coordinating in their defence spending it’s not going to change. Japan being on board through Tempest, Canada and Australia moving away from US hegemony homely influencing others this might start to happen but going to be a long road especially with Trumps threats aimed at slowing it. They have everyone over a barrel for a while sadly but it will happen joy not soon. Post Trump scenarios will influence the speed too.
That will become ‘compatible’ some time after the US makes available something truly comparable so that their option, as with AMRAAM becomes the established option on the platform. Indeed as we see here that missile is already taking that role by being ‘good enough’ and the only option available. By the time (if ever) Meteor becomes available it will be in the process of being updated, perhaps close to being replaced so even more excuse for not giving it compatibility no doubt or having to re qualify, and thus putting off customers selecting it. Job done for Team America.
This is all about slowing or preventing the Europeans selling equipment onto F35 customers. Not subtle, but effective.
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