The US State Department has approved possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Italy of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and Small Diameter Bomb IIs, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 15 February 2024.
The two FMSs, which have been passed to the US Congress for final approval, are estimated to be worth USD 69.3 million (EUR 64.3 million) and USD 150 million respectively.
More specifically, Italy has requested to buy 12 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs that will be added to a previously implemented case, the value of was under the congressional notification threshold. The FMS case, valued at USD 32.5 million (USD 23 million in Major Defense Equipment (MDE)), included 12 AIM-120C-8s. This notification is thus for a combined total of 24 AIM-120C-8s.
Italy has meanwhile requested 125 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-53/B Small Diameter Bomb-Increment II (SDB-II) all-up rounds (AURs) and eight GBU-53/B SDB-II captive carry reliability tests (CCRTs) that will be added to a previously implemented case, the value of which was also under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at USD 22.5 million (USD 9.7 million in MDE), included 24 GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs and four GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs. Italy has also requested a new FMS case that includes 24 GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs and two GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs. This notification is thus for a combined total of 173 GBU-53/B SDB-II AURs and 14 GBU-53/B SDB-II CCRTs.
Both FMS packages also include various aspects of training, programme, logistics, technical and engineering support
The Italian Air Force already has AMRAAMs and SDB-IIs in its weapon inventory.
The principal contractor for both munitions will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Arlington, Virginia.
