Romania has secured approval from the United States to acquire air-to-air missiles for its F-16 fighters under a proposed foreign military sale worth $340.8 million.
On Tuesday, the Department of State endorsed the eastern European country’s request to purchase 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles, 40 missile guidance units, 40 captive air training missiles and 20 CATM guidance units.
The package will include missile containers, training equipment, technical documents, engineering and technical services, and other elements of logistics and program support.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the potential weapons shipment will bolster Romania’s air defense capabilities and enable the country to address existing and emerging threats in the region.
The tactical missiles will be added to the NATO member’s inventory of Sidewinder missiles, which it acquired when it bought 17 F-16s from Portugal in 2016.
DSCA said the possible FMS deal will boost the security of the U.S. ally, thereby advancing Washington’s foreign policy and national security agenda in the region.
RTX will fulfill the specified requirements under the government-to-government agreement.