Italy requests US AMRAAM missiles to enhance air combat capabilities
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According to information published by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on June 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Italy for a package of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related support, valued at an estimated $211 million. The proposed package includes thirty AIM-120D-3 missiles, forty AIM-120C-8 missiles, and two AIM-120C-7 guidance sections, alongside a wide range of non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items such as spares, containers, software support, documentation, training equipment, and logistics services.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 represent the most advanced configurations in the AMRAAM series, featuring extended range, refined navigation, and robust electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities. (Picture source: US DoD)
The sale aims to reinforce Italy’s air-to-air engagement capabilities and deepen interoperability between Italian forces, the United States, and NATO allies. Italy is already a long-standing operator of AMRAAM systems, and the integration of the C-8 and D-3 variants into its inventory is expected to be seamless. The principal contractor for the deal is RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, with no requirement for additional U.S. personnel deployment in Italy as part of the implementation.
The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 represent the most advanced configurations in the AMRAAM series, featuring extended range, refined navigation, and robust electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities. These capabilities are particularly significant in the current European security landscape, enhancing NATO’s collective air defense posture. Their deployment will enable Italy to maintain air superiority in high-threat environments and conduct precision engagement beyond visual range with improved survivability.
In terms of technical evolution, the AIM-120C-7 brought important enhancements in guidance and signal processing over earlier variants, allowing for improved performance in complex electronic warfare scenarios. The AIM-120C-8 builds on this with upgraded software and hardware to extend effective range and engagement reliability. The AIM-120D-3 goes even further by incorporating GPS-aided midcourse navigation, enhanced two-way data link connectivity, and greater range than all previous versions, making it the most capable AMRAAM to date. These upgrades give operators faster reaction time, better target discrimination, and greater resistance to jamming, key factors in modern contested airspace.
The new missiles will be deployed across Italy’s fleet of frontline fighter aircraft, primarily the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Both platforms are fully compatible with the AIM-120 family, with the F-35 optimized to carry these weapons internally to preserve its stealth profile. The Typhoon, forming the backbone of Italy’s conventional air defense, has relied on earlier AMRAAM models and will benefit from the missile’s enhanced lethality and targeting precision.
This deal follows a smaller 2024 contract in which Italy acquired 12 AIM-120C-8 missiles for $69 million, also from RTX. The new procurement reflects Italy’s accelerated investment in advanced combat systems as part of its broader military modernization strategy, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to NATO’s rapid response and air defense operations.
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According to information published by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on June 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Italy for a package of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related support, valued at an estimated $211 million. The proposed package includes thirty AIM-120D-3 missiles, forty AIM-120C-8 missiles, and two AIM-120C-7 guidance sections, alongside a wide range of non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items such as spares, containers, software support, documentation, training equipment, and logistics services.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 represent the most advanced configurations in the AMRAAM series, featuring extended range, refined navigation, and robust electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities. (Picture source: US DoD)
The sale aims to reinforce Italy’s air-to-air engagement capabilities and deepen interoperability between Italian forces, the United States, and NATO allies. Italy is already a long-standing operator of AMRAAM systems, and the integration of the C-8 and D-3 variants into its inventory is expected to be seamless. The principal contractor for the deal is RTX Corporation, based in Tucson, Arizona, with no requirement for additional U.S. personnel deployment in Italy as part of the implementation.
The AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 represent the most advanced configurations in the AMRAAM series, featuring extended range, refined navigation, and robust electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities. These capabilities are particularly significant in the current European security landscape, enhancing NATO’s collective air defense posture. Their deployment will enable Italy to maintain air superiority in high-threat environments and conduct precision engagement beyond visual range with improved survivability.
In terms of technical evolution, the AIM-120C-7 brought important enhancements in guidance and signal processing over earlier variants, allowing for improved performance in complex electronic warfare scenarios. The AIM-120C-8 builds on this with upgraded software and hardware to extend effective range and engagement reliability. The AIM-120D-3 goes even further by incorporating GPS-aided midcourse navigation, enhanced two-way data link connectivity, and greater range than all previous versions, making it the most capable AMRAAM to date. These upgrades give operators faster reaction time, better target discrimination, and greater resistance to jamming, key factors in modern contested airspace.
The new missiles will be deployed across Italy’s fleet of frontline fighter aircraft, primarily the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Both platforms are fully compatible with the AIM-120 family, with the F-35 optimized to carry these weapons internally to preserve its stealth profile. The Typhoon, forming the backbone of Italy’s conventional air defense, has relied on earlier AMRAAM models and will benefit from the missile’s enhanced lethality and targeting precision.
This deal follows a smaller 2024 contract in which Italy acquired 12 AIM-120C-8 missiles for $69 million, also from RTX. The new procurement reflects Italy’s accelerated investment in advanced combat systems as part of its broader military modernization strategy, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to NATO’s rapid response and air defense operations.
