German F-35s to be Armed With American AIM-120D-3 Long-Range Missiles

The German Air Force’s fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets will be armed with the latest American long-range air-to-air missiles, AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 400 such missiles to Germany.

Germany will become one of the few foreign customers for this modification of medium-range air-to-air missiles.

The total cost of the potential order is estimated at $1.23 billion. It is expected that not only missiles will be supplied, but also related equipment and additional services.

The final purchase price will be determined as a result of negotiations and the conclusion of a contract.

The main contractor for this potential order will be the defense corporation RTX (Raytheon).

“The proposed sale will improve Germany’s ability to counter current and future threats by providing enhanced air-to-air capabilities for the German F-35 program,” the statement said.

Germany already has AMRAAM missiles in service and will have no difficulty integrating the new version into its armed forces. Previously, the US agreed to sell such missiles to Poland, Finland, Italy, and the Netherlands.

AIM-120D-3 provides air target interception at a maximum range of over 150 kilometers from the launch point.