Pakistan's newly acquired AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles will enable it to enhance the long-range air combat capabilities of its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter fleet. (Amir Kureshi / AFP via Getty Images)
The U.S. government has listed Pakistan as a recipient of future sales of new AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles under its Foreign Military Sales program.
On September 30, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced an amendment to the June 2023 contract awarded to Raytheon for the FMS, which will produce AIM-120 missiles for domestic and FMS customers. The DoD stated that the new fixed-price modification worth $416 million is "targeted at the AMRAAM C-8 and D-3 variants and their production."
The Department of Defense added that the amended contract involves 35 countries under FMS. Pakistan was listed on the contract for the first time. The country had never previously announced its intention to purchase new AIM-120 missiles.
The contract notice did not specify which of the two missiles Pakistan sought or the quantity.
The Department of Defense added, "Work related to the amended contract will be conducted in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2030."
The 2023 contract (classified as FA8675-23-C-0037) initially valued at $1.15 billion covered production for 18 countries, including those in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia (plus Singapore). However, the contract has undergone other modifications in the past. According to the Department of Defense, the total cumulative value of the contract is now $2.51 billion.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559417962496426535/
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