FMS: Turkey Requests Sale fo 107 AIM-120C7 Missiles

Released on Friday, September 26, 2008

WASHINGTON, September 26, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $157 million.

The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of 107 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 2 missile guidance sections, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $157 million.

Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area.

This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Turkey needs these capabilities for self-defense modernization, regional security, and U.S. and NATO interoperability. This modernization will enhance the Turkish Air Force's ability to defend Turkey while patrolling the nation's extensive coastline and borders to protect against future threats.

The proposed sale will also enhance Turkey's ability to contribute to Global War on Terrorism efforts and NATO operations. The Turkish Air Force will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Electronic and Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U. S. Government personnel in-country.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.