The US State Department has granted approval for a possible $100 million sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Lithuania.
The approval comes after Lithuania formally conveyed its intention to procure 36 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and one AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Section. The deal also includes munitions support, support equipment, classified software delivery and support, as well as classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation.
Lithuania’s MoD has confirmed that both nations aim to conclude the purchase contract by the end of the year. The Defense Security Cooperation Service (DSCA) has stated in its announcement that the primary contractor for this proposed sale will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, with its headquarters located in Tucson, Arizona.
“Continue ensuring the Lithuanian Armed Forces have sufficient ammunition. The AMRAAM missiles will be used with our NASAMS mid-range air defense system. The advanced ammunition will improve the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ capability to execute defense tasks and fortify interoperability with the United States and other NATO Allies who use this equipment,” said Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.
Lithuania, an established US client, inked the HIMARS system acquisition contract last year, following previous agreements to procure 500 JLTV Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, 4 Black Hawk helicopters, and Switchblade drones. In addition to these acquisitions, Lithuania has maintained a long-standing partnership with the United States, purchasing Javelin anti-tank missile systems and diverse communication equipment over the years.
