The US State Department has approved a possible sale of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment to Sweden, for an estimated cost of $605 million. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Swedish government has requested to buy up to 250 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, and up to six AMRAAM C-8 guidance sections.

Also included in the deal are spare AIM-120 control sections and containers; AMRAAM Test Set (ATS) telemetry kits; encryption devices; munitions support and support equipment; classified software delivery and support; spare parts; transportation support; classified publications and technical documentation; studies and surveys; technical, engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” said the DSCA statement.

“The proposed sale will improve Sweden’s capability to meet and deter current and future threats in the region by ensuring Sweden has modern, capable air-to-air munitions.”

Sweden has been seeking to join NATO since Russia launched the war on Ukraine in early 2022, and while most members have been eager for it to join, it has been facing intense objections from Turkey’s Erdogan. He is scheduled to meet with the Swedish premier tomorrow (Monday), during a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The Biden administration, on its part, has been hard at work in getting Turkey to lift its objection, including a potential F-16 deal.   

Image - Raytheon website