The Department of Defense has notified Congress that the
government of Italy has requested the purchase of 233 AIM-120B
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles; missile containers;
spare and repair and parts; support and test equipment and other
related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $116
million.
Italy will use these missiles to upgrade the air-to-air
capabilities of its AV-8B aircraft. Italy will have no
difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security of the U.S. by improving the military capabilities of
Italy while enhancing weapon system standardization and
interoperability. The sale of this equipment and support will
not affect the basic military balance in the region and will have
no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
The principal contractors will be Hughes Missile Systems
Company, Tucson, Ariz., and Raytheon Company, Bedford, Mass.
Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of
any additional U.S. government personnel or contractor
representatives.
The Department of the Air Force will be responsible for all
transactions resulting from this proposed sale.
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