Romania To Procure AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles From The US For Its F-16 Fighting Falcon Fleet
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the US State Department has decided to approve a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment valued at $340.8 million. According to the agency, the necessary certification and related documents announcing the potential sale were delivered to the United States Congress on May 14, 2024.
This potential sale, part of a larger, longer-term modernization effort supported by the United States for the Romanian Air Force, includes 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missile Guidance Units, 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), and 20 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II CATM Guidance Units. Spare parts, consumables, accessories, logistics, and program support are also essential components of the package.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.” The agency also stated that the proposed sale would not affect the region’s basic military balance.
The deal’s prime contractor will be RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona. For the successful completion of this possible sale, no additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives will be assigned to Romania; however, U.S. Government engineering and technical services may be temporarily required for training and technical assistance.
The State Department’s approval of this potential arms sale indicates that the sale is not a concern for the US administration. If the US Congress does not object to the State Department’s decision within 30 business days, the administration will begin negotiations with the Romanian government over the content of the sales package, and the procurement process will commence. Unless the US Congress objects to the sale, the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) Multi-Role F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet will receive the most advanced version of Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to support NATO’s defense mission and improve its ability to counter current threats.
Romanian Minister of National Defense Angel Tilvar expressed his satisfaction with the potential sale approved by the US State Department, saying: “The Romanian Air Force’s access to state-of-the-art air-to-air capabilities significantly contributes to increasing the safety of national and allied airspace and ensures a high degree of interoperability with similar structures of the US Army.”
Michael Dickerson, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Bucharest, added, “This procurement is not just a transaction; It’s a testament to our shared commitment to security and peace. These advanced missiles will ensure the safety of Romanian skies.”
The Romanian Air Force currently operates 23 F-16 fighter jets of the M6.X standard. 17 of these were purchased from Portugal in 2013 for €628 million ($701 million), while the remaining six were delivered in two batches as part of the 32 F-16 aircraft ordered from Norway in 2023. Romania will receive the remaining 26 ex-Norwegian fighter jets by 2025, bringing its total number of F-16s to 49. The Bucharest government also intends to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) from the United States to strengthen its defense posture and maintain its commitment to deterring aggression in the Black Sea region.