Newest generation AMRAAM missiles destined for Sweden
SwAF's JAS-39s will carry the newest generation AMRAAM. (Photo: Saab)
The deal was approved as a by the US government in July and is the back end of a deal which saw Sweden sell older variants back to the US so they could be donated to Ukraine in its war against invading Russian forces.
Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Gripens will be armed with the latest generation of Raytheon Technologies’ AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) under a US$605 million deal signed on 2 November.
The Scandinavian country requested to buy up to 250 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and up to six AMRAAM guidance sections, as well as engineering and logistics support and associated equipment, all covered by a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) request approved in July.
Designated RB 99 AMRAAM in Swedish service, the missile will be deployed under JAS-39 Gripen multirole fighter aircraft. The SwAF has been using the missile for decades dating back to its JAS-37 Viggen fighters.
As an FMS procurement, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) will purchase the missiles and supporting materials directly from the US government and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) rather than from the manufacturer.
The sale will bring Sweden closer to its Western allies and improve interoperability as NATO membership moves nearer with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the country which had been an impediment to membership, saying he would try to help the process.
Erdogan said to reporters on 3 November: ‘We will try to facilitate the work [towards Sweden’s membership] as much as possible. We will try to show positive efforts as much as we can at this point, so long as our counterparts approach us positively.’
Saab will be exhibiting at Dubai Airshow from 13 to 17 November 2023.
Shephard's Dubai Airshow 2023 coverage is sponsored by:
More from Dubai Airshow 2023 | View all news
-
![South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs]()
South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs
Boeing and South Korea have solidified plans that would see Boeing UAV design and technology capabilities implemented locally by South Korean companies.
-
![Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV]()
Ukraine fields 5,000 homegrown drones amid Iran's debut of advanced Shahed-238 UAV
Amid escalating tensions and technological advancements in drone warfare, Ukraine has reinforced its front lines with a delivery of 5,000 indigenous drones, paralleled by Iran's revelation of the new jet-powered Shahed-238.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
-
![Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production]()
Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production
Boeing's progress in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter programme have marked a milestone in the transition toward low-rate initial production, following the delivery of the final test aircraft to the US Air Force.
-
![Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training]()
Boeing and Red 6 make moves on airborne augmented reality training
Boeing and augmented reality training specialist Red 6 have achieved notable progress in integrating advanced technology into training aircraft.
