The Netherlands will explore the possibility of producing US – made AIM – 120 Advanced Medium – Range Air – to – Air Missiles (AMRAAM) domestically through a feasibility study approved by Washington and to be conducted by manufacturer Raytheon.
Marking the first potential co – production of AMRAAM missiles with a European NATO partner, the study will examine how Dutch industry could contribute to their production, assembly, and maintenance.
Used for medium – range air defense against manned and unmanned aircraft as well as cruise missiles, the AMRAAMs support both F – 35 self-defense and ground-based air and missile defense.
The initiative aims to strengthen transatlantic defense industrial cooperation and support faster production and delivery of AMRAAMs in coordination with the US and other NATO allies.
“Scaling up production is essential for continuing support for Ukraine and for the defense of the NATO treaty area,” stated the Dutch government.
Growing Demand Across Europe
The announcement follows Washington’s approval in September of a potential $570 – million sale of AMRAAMs to the Netherlands.
Amsterdam requested up to 232 AIM – 120C – 8 missiles and eight guidance sections to maintain a modern stockpile of air – to – air munitions.
In recent months, several other European countries have moved to expand their air – to – air missile capabilities.
Germany is set to purchase up to 400 US – made AIM – 120D – 3 missiles in a $1.23 – billion deal.
At the same time, the US State Department cleared Italy’s request for 70 AMRAAMs, along with associated equipment and services valued at about $211 million.
AMRAAM System
The AMRAAM measures 144 inches (3.6 meters) in length and weighs roughly 335 pounds (152 kilograms) at launch.
It has a 7 – inch (17 – centimeter) diameter and a wingspan of 21 inches (52 centimeters).
It can strike targets more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away at supersonic speed.
The missile combines an inertial midcourse guidance system with active radar in the terminal phase to home in precisely on its target, and carries a blast – fragmentation warhead.
Each unit costs approximately $386,000.
- The Defense Post