Australia Deploys Wedgetail to the Middle East as Iran Drone Threat Grows

Australia has announced the deployment of a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail to the Middle East in a move aimed at strengthening regional defenses against Iranian drones and missile threats.

The deployment marks a significant contribution by Australia to the growing international effort to protect airspace and critical infrastructure across the Gulf region as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

While Canberra has stressed that the mission is strictly defensive, the capabilities being deployed are strategically important.

Early Warning Against Drones and Missiles

The Wedgetail is one of the most advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms currently in service. Built on the Boeing 737 airframe, the aircraft carries a powerful active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at long distances.

In the current operational environment, where Iranian drone swarms and missile launches have become a central feature of the conflict, early detection is critical.

By providing real-time situational awareness, the Wedgetail allows allied aircraft and ground-based air defense systems to respond more quickly to incoming threats.

In practical terms, the aircraft acts as an airborne command center, coordinating fighters, air defenses and surveillance assets across the theater.

Additional Support: AIM-120 Missiles

Alongside the Wedgetail deployment, Australia will also supply AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.

These missiles, manufactured by Raytheon, are widely used by Western fighter aircraft and represent one of the most important beyond-visual-range air combat weapons currently in service.

The AIM-120 is designed to intercept, hostile aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Providing these missiles effectively strengthens the defensive capabilities of allied air forces operating in the region.

Growing International Involvement

The Australian government has been careful to emphasize that it is not participating in offensive operations against Iran.

However, the deployment of a high-value asset such as the Wedgetail demonstrates how seriously Western partners view the evolving drone and missile threat across the Middle East.

The aircraft’s ability to integrate sensor data and coordinate intercepts makes it particularly valuable in a battlespace increasingly shaped by long-range missiles and low-cost unmanned systems.

Australia’s decision also reflects the broader internationalization of the crisis.

Several countries have increased military deployments to the region in recent weeks, contributing air defense systems, surveillance platforms and naval forces aimed at protecting regional stability and key energy routes.

Within this framework, the Wedgetail’s mission is clear: detect threats early, coordinate defensive responses, and prevent escalation caused by surprise attacks.

In a conflict where drones and missiles can travel hundreds of kilometers in minutes, the ability to see the threat first may prove decisive.

U.S. Approves $180 Million Sale of Advanced AIM-120 Missiles to Romania

The United States has approved the sale of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Romania to provide advanced air-to-air capabilities for the Romanian Air Force. The initial deal is valued at approximately $180 million, with the option for Romania to purchase additional missiles in the future. This acquisition is part of Romania's broader effort to modernize its air force, enhancing compatibility between its F-16 aircraft and other NATO and U.S. aircraft, including the F-35. The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest emphasized the importance of this sale for both Romania's defense and regional stability.

U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, praised the acquisition, highlighting that it would significantly enhance Romania's ability to defend its territory and contribute to peace and stability in the region. Reflecting on her recent visit to Romania's 86th Air Base in Borcea, she said, "I was truly impressed by the Romanian F-16s in action. This purchase demonstrates the Romanian government's firm commitment to security and defense."

Last year, Romania’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the government-to-government (G2G) purchase of 186 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles from the United States, as well as 299 AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles. The total cost of the 186 AIM-120 AMRAAMs is estimated at $372 million, while the AIM-9X Sidewinders will cost around $239 million.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, weighing 152 kg (with an 18 kg warhead), belongs to the 150–250 kg weight class and has a speed of Mach 4. The most advanced version, the AIM-120D, boasts a maximum range of approximately 160 km.

Additionally, the Romanian government’s request includes various support items such as training missiles, storage containers, cryptographic devices, and a comprehensive package of spare parts. It also involves a technical and logistical support package from the contractor, which will provide training for both pilots and maintenance personnel. This acquisition complements Romania's recent purchase of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, authorized earlier in May. The combined investment for the AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles is estimated at $592 million.

Overall, this procurement marks a significant step in boosting Romania's air defense capabilities and ensuring interoperability with NATO allies.

Spain greenlights the acquisition of 68 AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles

On October 30th, the Spanish Council of Ministers has given the green light for a procurement contract encompassing 68 AIM-120-C8 AMRAAM missiles, 4 AAVIs (AMRAAM Air Vehicle Instrumented), 10 testers, 20 captive missiles, and 5 additional containers for these captive missiles. These acquisitions are designated for use by the Spanish Air and Space Force and the Spanish Army (Ejército del Aire and Ejército de Tierra).

The estimated value of this missile purchase stands at €100 million. This acquisition is formalized through an amendment to the Contract for the Acquisition and Integration Support of the AMRAAM Missile Model with the United States Government, the sole provider of this weapons system. The incorporation of this equipment will ensure the maintenance and update of minimum reserve stocks for aircraft and weapon systems employed by the Spanish Air and Space Force and the Spanish Army that rely on these missiles, thereby enhancing their mission fulfillment and capabilities.

Included in the contract is a comprehensive logistical support package for the maintenance and upkeep of this equipment throughout its service life, complete with spare parts and technical documentation.

Related:

New IFF identification system in land-based systems for Spanish Army. New hangar for A400M Maintenance in Seville

Spain approves deal for 25 New Eurofighters under 'Halcon II' program

Spain orders Brimstone missiles and naval helicopters for 2023

Pilot Error Behind Firing of AIM-120C in Estonia During Nato Baltic Air Policing

An internal Spanish military investigation has concluded that the accidental firing of an air-to-air missile in Estonian airspace by a NATO jet on 7 August resulted from pilot error, according to Spanish daily El País, quoted in Estonian daily Postimees.
While the overall investigation into the incident continues, anonymous military sources claim that fault lies with the pilot in the misfiring of an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), from a Spanish Airforce Eurofighter Typhoon.
The paper claims that investigative tests show the pilot initiated the missile firing sequence during training. Normally, safety mechanisms should stop the actual launching in such cases, so the incident is reportedly rare.
However, weapons systems on the Typhoon multi-role, multi-national fighter are particularly complex and varied.
The missile was fired over Pangodi village, near Tartu, and is thought to have impacted in or near the Endla bog, about 100 km north. The Estonian/Russian border lies about 60 km east of Pangodi. The plane was flying at around a 6,000-metre altitude at the time.
Six hundred hectares of Endla bog was searched in the following days using equipment, with a further 200 hectares checked visually, yielding no trace of the missile or its debris. No reported casualties or material damage resulted from the incident, though brush fires broke out in the aftermath of impact.
Other investigations into the misfiring are still ongoing.
news.err.ee

Spanish Air Force Eurofighter accidentally fires AIM-120C missile in Estonia

Estonia’s military says it is looking for the remains of a missile that a Spanish fighter jet accidentally fired while drilling in the air space of the Baltic country and NATO ally.
The military said that the Eurofighter Typhoon from the Spanish Air Force — part of NATO's Baltic air-policing mission — erroneously launched an AMRAAM-type air-to-air missile in a practice area in southern Estonia Tuesday afternoon.
The missile carried explosives of up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and was last located around 40 kilometers (24 miles) north of Estonia's second city of Tartu. It has a built-in self-destruct for such accidents, but may have landed on the ground.
Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas said on Facebook “thank God no human casualties,” calling the incident “extremely regrettable.”
militarytimes

Norway To Buy 60 AIM-120C AMRAAM

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM-120 C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for an estimated cost of $170 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 14, 2017.
The Government of Norway requested a possible sale of sixty (60) AIM-120 C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and four (4) AMRAAM guidance section spares. Also included are missile containers, weapon system support, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, technical and support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total case value is $170 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
dsca

Japan to receive additional AMRAAM missiles

Japan is to receive a further batch of Raytheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) following approval of a potential sale by the US State Department.
The approval, announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 4 October, covers 56 AIM-120C-7-variant missiles, plus support..
The deal must be approved by Congress before it can proceed.
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) already fields the AIM-120C-7, having been cleared to receive its first batch of 17 missiles in 2014. These augment the earlier AIM-120C-5 variant currently in the force’s inventory.
The AIM-120C-7 is a new design with distinct capability upgrades from previous AMRAAM versions. The missile has upgraded antenna, receiver, and signal-processing hardware to meet operational requirements in countering new threats, and smaller electronic components to provide internal space for future system growth.
The missile is fitted with an active radar seeker – similar to that of the AIM-120A, but with a number of software upgrades – and is powered by a propulsion system similar to the AIM-120C-5 equivalent, but with an enlarged rocket motor.
janes

Israel Requires From US 29,350 JDAM and Paveway kits, 3,000 Hellfire missiles and 250 AIM-120Cs

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 14,500 KMU-556C/B Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) tail kits consisting of 10,000 for Mk-84; 500 for Mk-83; and,4,000 for Mk-82; 3,500 Mk-82 bombs; 4,500 Mk-83 bombs; 50 BLU-113 bombs; 4,100 GBU-39 Small Diameter bombs; 1,500 Mk-83 Paveway kits; 700 BLU-109 Paveway kits; 3,000 AGM-114K/R Hellfire Missiles, 250 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles; and 500 DSU-38A/B Detector Laser Illuminated Target kits for JDAMs.
The principal contractors will be Boeing, Lockheed-Martin,General Dynamics and Raytheon.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
dsca

Turkey Receives Last Upgraded F-16

The Turkish Air Force received the last of a batch of F-16 fighter jets which underwent a comprehensive upgrade program.
The upgrade program substantially boosts Turkey's air combat power.
In 2011, the Turkish and US governments signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the modernization of 117 Turkish Air Force F-16s to a common avionics configuration.
The upgrade created a common avionics configuration for the service's fleet of F-16 Block 40 and 50 aircraft. Systems integrated on Turkey's upgraded F-16s include:

• The AN/APG-69(V)9 radar installed on new F-16 Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft
• Color cockpit displays
• The Modular Mission Computer and new avionics processors
• The Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
• The Link 16 datalink
• New identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) transponders
• AN/AVS-9 night-vision goggles
• Upgraded navigation systems; and BAE Systems' AN/ALQ-178(V)5+ electronic-warfare (EW) system, mounted internally, with radar-warning and jamming capabilities for aircraft self-protection

The aircraft were also modified to accept new missile systems of unspecified types; some potential candidates include the AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and MBDA Meteor.
The deal was conducted under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with Lockheed Martin as principle contractor, although the actual modification of the aircraft was performed by TAI.
defensenews

Japan looks to obtain AIM-120C7 air-to-air missiles

The US Defense Security Cooperation agency has notified congress about a possible sale of 17 Raytheon AIM-120C7 AMRAAM missiles to Japan.
In addition to the 17 missiles, the package includes two captive air training missiles, test and support equipment, spare parts, documentation, and other elements.
The DSCA adds that Japan already uses an earlier variant of the AMRAAM, the AIM-120C5.
flightglobal

U.S. Marines to Retire Harrier Fleet Earlier Than Planned, Extend Life of Hornets

The U.S. Marine Corps will phase out the AV-8B Harrier II by 2025 — about five years earlier than planned — and will instead extend the life of its fleet of aging Boeing F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters, according to the service’s recently released 2015 aviation plan.
In previous years, the service had said it would replace its increasingly older fleet of original model Boeing F/A-18A – D Hornet strike fighters before retiring the Harriers before replacing both fighters with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
Now, the Harrier will be retired in 2025 and the Hornets will hang on until 2029 for the active duty Marines.
The Marine short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B is planned to operational in the summer of 2015 will eventually replace the Harrier.
The Hornets will finally leave the Marine inventory in 2030 when the reserve component transitions to the F-35B.
The first Harrier squadron to transition to the F-35B will be VMA-211, which will make the switch in Fiscal Year 2016 (FY 2016). If all goes according to plan, the entire West Coast Harrier force will transition to the JSF by 2020.
The remaining East Coast Harriers will be retired 2025. In the meantime—since the AV-8B still has another 11 years to go in service—the Marines will focus on improving the fleet’s readiness.
The Marines will also continue to modernize the aging jet. The jet will receive new ALE-47 V2 countermeasures dispenser, ALR-67 radar warning receivers and ALQ-164 electronic countermeasures pods. The Harriers will also be modified with variable message format terminals, full Link-16 data-link capability and possibly the Tactical Targeting Network Technologies high-speed data-link.
With full integration of the fourth generation Litening pod, it will be able to self-designate the AGM-65E missiles and GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions.
The Marines are also planning on integrating the AIM-120C/D AMRAAM and AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles onto the AV-8B. Flight testing of the AMRAAM onboard the Harrier is slated for 2016.
usni.org

US Clears Major Arms Sales to Saudi, Turkey

The US cleared two major potential sales to Saudi Arabia and Turkey, DSCA announced Tuesday.
The Saudi government has requested $2 billion in upgrades for its E-3A airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft. The Saudi military operates five AWACS.
The agency also cleared a possible sale to Turkey for 145 AIM-120C-7 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles missiles and associated equipment.
Those missiles will be used on the Turkish Air Force’s fleet of F-16 fighters, although the DSCA notice adds that they could also be used on the country’s eventual F-35 fleet.
defensenews

Norway to buy 36 AIM-120 AMRAAM

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Norway for AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM Missiles and associated equipment.
Norway has requested a possible sale of 36 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 8 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs)
The principal contractor will be Raytheon.
dsca

F-35 Weapons Tests in 2014 Focus On Amraam

With weapons testing becoming a more regular event for the F-35 program, developers are looking ahead to a fast pace of trials this year to prepare for the first operational use of the stealthy, single-engine fighter by the U.S. Marine Corps in 2015.
Delivering weapons is often described as the “business end” of a fighter's job, and the Marines are planning to declare initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35B using the aircraft's 2B software release as early as July 2015, and no later than December 2015. Though limited to use of three weapons—the 1,000-lb. GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), GBU-12 500-lb. Laser-Guided Bomb and Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (Amraam) AIM-120 series—the F-35B will surpass the current capability of the AV-8B Harrier jump jet and F/A-18C twin-engine Hornets.
aviationweek

Romania – Weapons, Equipment, and Support for F-16 Block 15 MLU Aircraft

The Government of Romania has requested a possible sale of weapons, equipment, and support for 12 F-16 MLU Block 15 aircraft that will be procured through a third party transfer from Portugal. Articles and services will include:

• 13 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGPS/INS) with GPS Security Devices, Airborne
• 3 AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasure Pods
• 30 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
• 5 AIM-120C Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs)
• 60 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles
• 4 AIM-9M CATMs
• 48 LAU-129 Launchers
• 10 GBU-12 Enhanced Guided Bomb Units
• 18 AGM-65H/KB Maverick Missiles
• 4 AGM-65 CATMs
• 15 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminals
• 2 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Ground Support Systems

Also included are spare and repair parts, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, repair and return services, software development/integration, test and equipment, supply support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale will support the Romanian Air Force’s (RoAF) efforts to equip and utilize the 12 F-16 aircraft it is procuring from Portugal.
dsca

F-35A conducts first live fire with AMRAAM

The F-35 Lightning II executed its first live-fire launch of a guided air-to-air missile over a military test range off the California coast on Oct. 30.
The AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) was fired from an F-35A (AF-6) conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant fighter operating from the F-35 Integrated Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
After launch, the missile successfully acquired the target and followed an intercept flight profile. Moments before the missile was about to destroy the target, a self-destruct signal was sent to the AIM-120 in order to preserve the aerial drone for use in future tests.

South Korea seeks 260 AIM-120C-7 Air-to-Air Missiles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on July 18th of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea (ROK) of 260 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium
Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $452 million.
The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of 260 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements
of program support. The estimated cost is $452 million.
dsca

U.S. Navy following U.K on IRST for fighters

The U.S. Navy expects to award contracts soon for a longer-range version of the AIM-9X Sidewinder, known as Block III. Not only will it be a major change to the AIM-9X—retaining only the seeker, optical target detector and data link of the Block II weapon—but its development is starting before the Block II has finished operational tests.
The Block III is associated with the Navy's effort to fit the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with a Lockheed Martin infra-red search and track (IRST) system. The two systems are complementary, improving the ability of Navy fighters to operate in what a Boeing engineer calls an “RF (radio frequency)-denied environment” that will challenge X-band systems such as fighter radars and the seeker of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (Amraam).
With these developments, the U.S. Navy is following the lead of other air arms—notably, the Royal Air Force—in investing in non-RF sensors and weapons that work far outside the within-visual-range envelope. One key technology is better processing that has greatly improved the performance of IRST.
aviationweek

F-35A completes 1st in-flight missile launch

An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5.
It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch -- paving the way for targeted launches in support of the Block 2B fleet release capability later this year.
af.mil

USA reveals weapons loads for F-15SE, F-35 in S Korean F-X competition

The US Department of Defense has formally notified congress about the potential sale of weapons for the Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle and Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which are vying for South Korea's 60 aircraft F-X III requirement.
The weapons package for the F-15SE will cost $823 million, while that for the F-35 will cost $793 million.
Key elements of both packages include 274 Raytheon AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, hundreds of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits, 542 Boeing GBU-39/B small diameter bombs and other weapons.
flightglobal