Lithuania To Procure AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles From the US For NASAMS Air Defense Systems
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced that the US State Department has approved a foreign military sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment to the Government of Lithuania for an estimated $100 million (€94 million). The necessary certification along with the related documentation announcing this possible sale were submitted to the US Congress on October 23, 2023, according to the agency.
The possible sale includes Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE), ADU-891/E adapter group computer test sets, spare control sections and containers for the AIM-120, in addition to 36 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles and a Guidance Section. Other essential components of the package include spare parts, consumables, accessories, logistics, and program support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that “this proposed sale will be for use with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and will improve Lithuania’s capability to conduct self-defense and regional security missions while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO members. Lithuania will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” The agency also noted the standard FMS reasoning that the proposed sale will promote the United States’ foreign policy and national security by assisting with the security of a NATO ally that is an important player in ensuring peace and stability in Europe.
The contract for the procurement of the NASAMS III medium-range air defense system was signed between the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense and Norway’s Kongsberg company on 26 October, 2017. The contract, worth an estimated €100 million, included two NASAMS air defense system batteries, system support for the complex and expert training in the maintenance and management of these air defense systems. The NASAMS systems were delivered to Lithuania in June 2020, and the deployment and personnel training of all two batteries continued until 2021. During Exercise ‘Silver Arrow 2023,’ the Lithuanian Air Force (LAF) conducted the first live firing of the NASAMS III air defense system. In addition, Lithuania also purchased NASAMS launchers for Ukraine.
The NASAMS medium-range air defense system complex’s main missile, the AIM-120 AMRAAM, is a new generation, all-weather missile developed by the American defense company Raytheon Technologies. Aside from the NASAMS system, the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile is compatible with a wide range of aircraft, including the F-16, F-15, F-18, F-22, F-35, EF-2000, Gripen, Harrier, and Tornado. The new missile, which is a continuation of the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series, is faster, smaller, lighter, and has advanced capabilities against low-altitude targets. The AIM-120 AMRAAM has a length of 3.6 meters, a body diameter of 17.7 cm, a wingspan of 52.5 cm, and weighs 157 kilograms. The missile, which can carry a 20 kg explosion fragmentation type warhead, has a range of more than 20 kilometers thanks to its solid fuel rocket engine.
Furthermore, the United States’ defense relations with Lithuania, which it regards as a key ally for the security of the Baltic region, go beyond AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles. In recent years, Lithuania has signed contracts with the United States to purchase HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 500 JLTV Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, four Black Hawk helicopters, and Switchblade drones. Some of these purchases were made with US aid funds in order for Lithuania to fulfil its NATO commitments.