The US State Department has approved the sale of 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment to Romania.
Bucharest requested the short-range air-to-air missiles to increase the capabilities of its F-16 fleet, acquired from Norway in 2023.
The Raytheon missile has an estimated range of over 10 miles (16 kilometers) and features thrust vectoring maneuverability and an advanced imaging infrared seeker.
$340M Sale
The estimated $340.8-million sale includes 40 AIM-9X block II tactical missile guidance units, 40 AIM-9X block II captive air training missiles, and 20 AIM-9X block II CATM guidance units.
“The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air missiles for its F-16 fleet in support of NATO’s defense mission,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
F-16 Modernization Equipment Sale
The US earlier approved the sale of modernization equipment for the Romanian F-16s, including KY-58M secure radio communication modules and KIV-78 Identification Friend or Foe.
A total of 32 used F-16s were bought from Norway for 388 million euros ($418 million).
The aircraft will be serviced before being delivered to Romania.
