The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles.

The relevant documents were published on the official website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air missiles and related equipment.

The total value of the procurement is $691 million. It includes 246 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles; 6 AIM-9X Block II sidewinder captive air training missiles (CATM); 2 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder special air training missiles; 14 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical guidance units; and 2 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder CATM guidance units.

Also included are missile containers; spares; personnel training and training equipment; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

“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 Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

As previously reported, the Netherlands ordered AGM-158 JASSM-ER cruise missiles from the United States to arm its fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets.

The American company noted that thanks to that document, the Netherlands would become the fifth international operator of JASSM cruise missiles.

This February, the US State Department approved the sale of 120 AGM-158B/B-2 JASSM-ER cruise missiles and related equipment and services to the Netherlands. The estimated cost is $908 million.

The Netherlands has opted for the US long-range subsonic air-to-surface cruise missile JASSM-ER to arm its fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II combat aircraft. This weapon will significantly expand their combat capabilities to engage ground targets at long range.

Militarnyi previously reported that the United Kingdom would test the Spear 3 mini cruise missiles by the end of 2024.

The first prototypes are due to be tested by the end of 2024, after which the missile will be integrated into the onboard systems of Typhoon and F-35B aircraft.