The U.S. State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of up to 400 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Germany, a deal estimated at $1.2 billion, according to a notification from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The approval covers the AIM-120D-3 variant and associated equipment, manufactured by Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX. In its release, DSCA stated the sale would “provid[e] increased air-to-air capability for the German F-35 program” and meet other NATO operational needs.
The notification represents a preliminary step in the arms transfer process. Congress has 30 days to block the sale, though such action is unlikely given Germany’s role as a NATO ally. Quantities and costs may shift during contract negotiations.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA announcement said.
The AMRAAM remains in high demand due to growing air defense requirements. While primarily an air-to-air weapon, it can also be deployed through the ground-based NASAMS air defense system used by NATO members and widely employed in Ukraine.
RTX has increased production to address both U.S. and international orders. Company officials have projected sustained demand in the coming years. “More AMRAAMs are coming off the production line today than ever before. We’re working closely with our supply chain to ensure our customers have the advanced munitions they need at scale,” said Brian DeGennaro, vice president of Raytheon’s air dominance portfolio, in a statement.
Germany joins other European customers who have recently received approval for AMRAAM purchases, including the Netherlands, cleared to buy 232 missiles for $570 million, and Finland, authorized for 405 missiles valued at $1.1 billion.
The U.S. government has also directed additional funding to expand AMRAAM production, with plans to double annual output from 1,200 to 2,400 units.
