The U.S. Secretary of State has approved a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel, valued at approximately $102.5 million. This deal includes the acquisition of thirty AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), a vital component of Israel’s aerial defense systems, and related equipment, enhancing the nation’s capacity to counteract airborne threats and regional challenges. In addition to the AIM-120C-8 missiles, the package includes one spare AMRAAM guidance section, along with non-major defense equipment items such as control sections, Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE), ADU-891/E Adapter Group Computer Test Sets, containers, and other essential support equipment. Israel will also receive spare parts, technical documentation, classified software, and various logistics support services. The package covers comprehensive training for personnel, technical assistance, and logistics support provided by both U.S. government personnel and contractors.
The AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) missiles, with their advanced radar-guided capabilities, have proven instrumental in defending against missile and drone attacks. The recent missile salvo directed at Israel in April underscored the importance of such defensive systems in mitigating escalating threats from hostile actors in the region. With the acquisition of the AIM-120C-8 variant, Israel aims to bolster its homeland defense and maintain its strategic edge in the increasingly volatile Middle East. The AIM-120C-8, also referred to as the AIM-120D in some contexts, represents one of the latest advancements in the AMRAAM family, offering a significantly enhanced no-escape envelope and superior high-angle off-boresight capabilities. These features, coupled with the missile’s integration of internal GPS, an enhanced datalink, and new software, provide Israel with a much-needed technological advantage in intercepting and neutralizing enemy aircraft and drones in challenging combat scenarios.
The AIM-120C-8 is an American-developed air-to-air missile designed for all-weather, day-and-night operations. It utilizes an active transmit-receive radar system, offering greater targeting accuracy and reliability compared to older semi-active radar-guided systems. When launched, NATO pilots use the brevity code “Fox Three” to indicate an active radar missile has been fired. The AMRAAM has become a staple in the arsenal of several nations, including the United States and its NATO allies, and has accumulated an impressive track record with over 20,000 units produced and 16 confirmed air-to-air kills across various global conflicts. Originally developed as part of a collaborative agreement between the U.S. and NATO allies, the AMRAAM was envisioned to fill the medium-range air-to-air missile role, while European partners focused on developing the next generation of short-range missiles. Over the years, the AIM-120 variants have been continuously upgraded to meet the evolving demands of modern aerial warfare. The AIM-120C, introduced in the 1990s, featured reduced aerosurfaces to facilitate internal carriage on stealth aircraft like the F-22 Raptor, while subsequent upgrades, such as the AIM-120C-7 and AIM-120C-8, have introduced improved seeker technologies and longer ranges.
In recent years, the U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with Raytheon (now RTX), has conducted multiple successful tests of the AIM-120C-8 missile variant, solidifying its reputation as a premier beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The latest tests saw the AIM-120C-8 fired from an F-15C Eagle, where it successfully engaged and downed an aerial target, demonstrating its efficacy in combat scenarios. The continued development of the AMRAAM under the Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh program highlights the U.S. commitment to maintaining the missile’s relevance in modern combat. The program focuses on upgrading the missile’s guidance systems, utilizing model-based systems engineering and digital technologies to enhance its capabilities. Israel’s defense forces are expected to integrate these missiles seamlessly into their existing air combat systems, further strengthening their deterrence capabilities against regional adversaries. The prime contractor for the sale will be RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, which continues to play a leading role in producing and upgrading advanced missile systems for the U.S. and its allies.
