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Romania has announced intentions to acquire up to 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles in a proposed foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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The US Congress was notified of the possible US$340.8 million sale of missiles and related equipment by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 14 May.
Under the possible foreign military sale, Romania would receive 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles, 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missile guidance units, 40 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II captive air training missiles, and 20 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II CATM guidance units.
Also included in the sale would be missile containers, personnel training and training equipment, classified and unclassified publications and technical documents, US government engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
“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,” according to a statement from the DSCA published on 14 May.
“The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air missiles for its F-16 fleet in support of NATO’s defence mission. Romania 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. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Raytheon will be the principal contractor and there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Romania; however, US government engineering and technical services may be required on an interim basis for training and technical assistance.
