The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to France of AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and related equipment, the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency announced on 7 July 2023.
The sale, which covers 1,515 AGM-114R2 missiles and has an estimated value of USD 203 M (EUR 185.3 M), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Also included in the deal is technical assistance; non-standard books and various other related publications; integration support; and other elements of logistical and programme support.
The AGM-114R Hellfire II is an air-to-ground missile featuring a multi-purpose warhead that allows a variety of targets to be addressed. It has a range of 8 km and used semi-active laser homing. Also known as the ‘Hellfire Romeo’, the AGM-114R can be launched from higher altitudes than previous Hellfire variants and is typically carried by helicopters or armed unmanned aerial vehicles, although Hellfire missiles can also be launched from ground vehicles.
The prime contractor for the sale will be Lockheed Martin out of its facilities in Orlando, Florida.
Peter Felstead
