The US State Department has approving potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to both Poland and the Netherlands of AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range (AARGM-ERs), the US Defense Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) announced on 24 April 2024.
The potential AARGM-ER sales to Poland and the Netherlands, which are worth USD 1.275 billion (EUR 1.19 billion) and USD 700 million respectively, have been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Poland has requested to buy 360 AARGM-ER all-up rounds (AURs), eight AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares) and eight AARGM-ER control sections (spares). The Netherlands, meanwhile, has requested two 265 AARGM-ER AURs (including 15 ‘fly-to-buy’ rounds); eight AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares) and eight AARGM-ER control sections (spares).
Both sales also include dummy air training missiles, missile containers, software, training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, embedded GPS receivers, technical documentation, transportation, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The DSCA stated that the sales will improve the Polish and Dutch capability to meet current and future threats “by suppressing and destroying land or sea-land based radar emitters associated with enemy air defences”, adding that the capability “denies the adversary the use of its air defence systems, thereby improving the survivability of [Polish and Dutch] tactical aircraft.
The principal contractor for the sales will be Northrop Grumman out of its facilities in Falls Church, Virginia.
The AARGM-ER is currently being integrated onto the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and will equip the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps. Beyond exports to Poland and the Netherlands, the AARGM-ER has been ordered by Finland and is being acquired by Australia.
