NATO Support and Procurement Agency - AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $103.9 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), as Agent for Belgium, Italy, and Romania, has requested to buy up to ninety-six (96) AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II or Block II+ tactical missiles (Belgium: 8; Italy: 24; Romania: 64) and twelve (12) AIM-9X Block II or Block II+ tactical guidance units (Romania). The following non-MDE items will also be included: missile containers; U.S. Government engineering, technical, training, and logistics support services; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $103.9 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of NATO Allies that are a force for political stability and economic progress in the North Atlantic region.

The proposed sale will improve NATO’s capability to meet current and future threats by utilizing air-to-air missiles and guidance units for its F-35 fleets in support of NATO’s defense mission. NATO will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to NATO, however, U.S. Government engineering and technical services may be required on an interim basis for technical assistance.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.