The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles-Extended Range (AMRAAM-ER) and related equipment, with an estimated cost of $678 million, according to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The Netherlands has requested to purchase one hundred seventy-four (174) AMRAAM-ER missiles and four AMRAAM-C8 guidance sections.
The sale also includes AMRAAM containers, load trainers, control section spares and support equipment; KGV-135A cryptographic devices; Common Munition Built-in-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adaptor Group Test Sets; integration and test support and equipment; munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications; technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); and U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.
The proposed sale aims to support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key NATO ally.
The notice says that the missiles will enhance the Netherlands’ Medium Range Air Defense (MRAD) system, boosting its ability to meet current and future threats. This upgrade will significantly improve the Netherlands’ contribution to NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense, providing enhanced protection for both the Netherlands and local allied forces.
The DSCA stated, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” They further added, “The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
The DSCA noted that the implementation of this proposed sale would not require additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to be assigned to the Netherlands, and it will not adversely impact U.S. defence readiness.
I wonder why the Netherlands didnt buy th elong range Meteor missile? ANybody know?
Imagine it had something to do with having to stump up the full integration costs on the the F16. In an age where they were constantly cutting back on defence spending I’d imagine there was no stomach for spending that kind of money when the AMRAAM was good enough for thier needs
They use F-16 and F-35
Because Meteor has not yet been configured for Ground to Air use.
Hopefully this is being looked at by someone and even out of MK41s. Why not explore options? The US has been trialling Patriot out of MK41s.
Because it all costs money. Not even enough to go around for current needs.
Asked this on another thread but didn’t get any response…
Can anyone explain the difference(s) between AMRAAM C8 and D (and D3?) models? Struggling to find anything reliable; some sources say the C8 was just renamed as the D model, whereas others say the C8 is a downgraded export version of the D. Both seem to have orders lately so I’m guessing there must be differences.