The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved a $US 3.6 billion (~$5.6 billion) sale of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Japan.
The C-8 variant is the most advanced export variant of the AMRAAM. It was developed by Raytheon alongside the more advanced AIM-120D-3 as part of Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh program. To date, the AIM-120D series of missiles have only been approved for export to Australia, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom.
Included in the package are up to 1,200 missiles split between the two variants as well as up to twenty AIM-120D-3 guidance sections and up to four AIM-120C-8 guidance sections.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region," the DSCA stated.