Denmark to Purchase Advanced AIM-120C-8 Missiles – A Move Towards Improved Interoperability

The US Department of State in Washington has made a decision, approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Denmark for advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles AIM-120C-8 and related equipment, for an estimated cost of 730 million dollars.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has released the required certification, notifying it to Congress.

The Danish Government has requested the purchase of two hundred (200) advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles AIM-120C-8 (AMRAAM) and three (3) AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections.

This sale will further enhance the already high level of interoperability of the Danish Armed Forces with the US Joint Forces and other regional and NATO forces; the missile can arm indifferently the F-35A fighter bombers by Lockheed Martin and the NASAMS 3 air defense missile system by Kongsberg and RTX.

The main contractor will be RTX Corporation, based in Arlington, Virginia. There is no provision for the allocation of additional representatives of the US Government or contractor in Denmark.

The AIM-120C-8 or AIM-120D, produced by Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RTX Corporation) is an evolution of the AIM-120C**.**

The missile is equipped with a bidirectional link, a more accurate navigation system, a wider no-escape zone, and improved HOBS capability.

The AIM-120C-8 is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 4. Though the maximum range is a classified data, according to reliable estimates, this value should be around 160 km.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

Image credit: @USAF