Morocco Upgrades F‑16 Fleet with AIM‑120C‑8 Missiles from the United States

Morocco has just taken a significant step in modernizing its air combat capabilities. According to recent reports, the Royal Moroccan Air Force will acquire 30 AIM‑120C‑8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles from the United States, along with guidance sections, technical support, and logistics. These missiles will equip Morocco’s F‑16 Block 72 fighters, substantially enhancing their ability to intercept and engage aerial threats in challenging conditions.

The AIM‑120C‑8 is among the most advanced versions of the AMRAAM family, featuring improved guidance, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and all-weather operational capability. Its integration will strengthen Morocco’s air defence posture, complementing the country’s existing F‑16 fleet and ongoing military cooperation with the United States.

The U.S. frames this sale as part of support for a major non-NATO ally, reinforcing Morocco’s national security while contributing to regional stability in North Africa. This acquisition follows other recent U.S. defense approvals to Morocco, such as FIM‑92K Stinger air-defense missiles, highlighting an expanding military partnership between Rabat and Washington.

With these upgrades, Morocco positions its F‑16s as a more formidable regional deterrent, capable of handling both conventional and asymmetric aerial threats in the coming decade

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

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

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

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

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.

US Army, US Air Force intercept cruise missile for first time with JLENS-guided AMRAAM

The U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force intercepted for the first time an anti-ship cruise missile surrogate using Raytheon Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) cued by JLENS. An affordable, elevated, persistent over-the-horizon sensor system, JLENS uses a powerful integrated radar system to detect, track and target a variety of threats.
raytheon

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

Singapore Requests Sale of 100 AIM-120C7 AMRAAM and 20 AIM-9X-2 Air-to-Air Missiles

The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale of 100 AIM-120C7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), AMRAAM Programmable Advanced System Interface Simulator (PASIS), 10 AMRAAM Spare Guidance Sections, 18 AN/AVS-9(V) Night Vision Goggles, H-764G with GEM V Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), Common Munitions Built-in -Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE-Plus) in support of a Direct Commercial Sale of new F -15SG aircraft. Also included: containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $210 million.

defense-studies

First F-35 AMRAAM Release

An F-35A has completed the JSF’s first aerial weapons release of an AIM-120 from its internal weapons bay. AF-1 jettisoned the instrumented AIM-120 over the China Lake test range on Oct. 19.

Misiles Harpoon para la India y AIM-120C AMRAAM para Suiza/ India seeks 21 AGM-84Ls and Switzerland seeks AIM-120C7 AMRAAM

India está interesada en la adquisición de 21 misiles AGM-84L Harpoon Block II de Estados Unidos, para dotar a sus futuros aviones de patrulla marítima P-8I Neptune (leer más)
Por otra parte la Agencia de Cooperación de Defensa y Seguridad de Estados Unidos, informa del interés de Suiza en la adquisición de 150 misiles aire-aire AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM
(leer más)
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India is interested in getting 21 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles from the United States. The missiles are intended to arm Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft
(read more)
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Switzerland of 150 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
(read more)