The US State Department has approved a $100 million sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Lithuania, enhancing the Baltic nation’s defence capabilities. The US State Department has also approved potential arms sales to the UK and Finland totalling $1.55 billion as Ukraine’s European allies continue to stock up on munitions after flooding Kyiv with donations.
Lithuania is interested in acquiring thirty-six AMRAAMs and one AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Section. The primary contractor for the sale will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, a renowned defence technology producer that has been manufacturing AMRAAM missiles since 1997 and whose products are widely used air-to-air armament for the U.S. military and 33 other international customers.
AMRAAM missiles are widely used in NATO armaments and can be integrated into the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) launcher. The sale aims to enhance Lithuania’s capacity for self-defence and regional security missions while enhancing its interoperability with the US and other NATO members.
European demand for US weaponry is soaring, with a focus on cheaper, less-sophisticated items like shoulder-fired missiles, artillery, and drones. The UK is set to receive 3,000 joint air-to-ground missiles worth $957.4 million, primarily used for short-distance air strikes. Finland will receive 150 advanced anti-radiation guided missiles worth $500 million, used to destroy enemy radar arrays.