ANKARA, August 14 (RIA Novosti) – The United States has approved the possible sale of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Turkey following a request from the Turkish government, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
“The Turkish Air Force [TAF] intends to obtain these missiles to modernize its inventory, which will support its own air defense needs and improve its interoperability with the US and other NATO allies,” said the news release, published on the DSCA website.
The Turkish government has requested 145 AMRAAM missiles, 40 LAU-129 launchers and related support, test and training equipment, and spare parts. The total estimated cost of the deal is $320 million.
According to the DSCA statement, the implementation of the sale will involve US government and contractor company representatives taking multiple trips to the country to provide test and training activities.
“This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded,” stressed the news release.
Turkey is one of Washington’s principal NATO allies. According to US European Command data, the United States has given Ankara more than $14 billion in military aid since the country joined NATO in 1952.
