The US State Department has approved the possible sale of advanced medium range air-to-air extended range (AMRAAM-ER) missiles to Hungary as part of the country’s potential acquisition of the national advanced surface to air missile system (NASAMS).
According to a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement, Hungary has requested 60 AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM-ER missiles, and two spare AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM-ER guidance sections and related equipment. The deal has an estimated value of $230 million.
The main contractor would be Raytheon, who is working on integrating the missiles with the Kongsberg-developed NASAMS network centric short to medium range ground based air defense system.
Hungary has requested the sale of AMRAAM missiles in the past. The integration of AMRAAM-ER missiles into the systems is a new development that was completed in 2015, with the first test flight taking place in 2016.
NASAMS offers multiple simultaneous engagements and beyond visual range (BVR) capabilities. It features an AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel active 3D radar, a passive electro-optical and infrared sensor and a number of missile canister launchers with AMRAAM missiles.
“This proposed sale improves Hungary’s defense capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. The sale is in support of Hungary’s acquisition of the NASAMS air defense system and would provide a full range of protection from imminent hostile cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rotary wing and fixed wing threats,” DSCA said.
