Overview

• Washington’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a proposed sale of up to 400 AIM-120D-3 air-to-air missiles to Germany valued at $1.23 billion.
• The State Department approved the deal and the DSCA formally notified Congress, initiating the statutory review period.
• The missiles are intended to arm the Luftwaffe’s F-35 program and expand air-to-air capabilities to meet current and future threats, according to the DSCA.
• The agency said the sale advances U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening a NATO ally viewed as a force for stability and economic progress in Europe.
• Germany moved in 2022 to procure 35 F-35s from a special defense fund, with the Bundeswehr expecting first aircraft delivery and initial pilot training next year, while contracting and deliveries for the missiles would proceed after congressional approval.