The U.S. State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Italy valued at $211 million (€181 million), involving the supply of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and a full package of support services. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) formally notified Congress of this planned deal, which aims to boost Italy’s air combat capabilities and deepen NATO interoperability.

What Italy is Buying

Under the proposed package, Italy will acquire:

• 30 AIM-120D-3 AMRAAMs (latest variant)
• 40 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs (export variant)
• 2 AIM-120C-7 guidance sections

The deal also includes spare control sections, containers, repair and return parts, technical documentation, training systems, unclassified and classified software, and engineering support services from U.S. agencies and private contractors.

Capabilities of the Missiles

The AIM-120D-3 variant incorporates a modernised guidance section with a Form, Fit, and Function (F3) hardware refresh and advanced SIP-3F software, improving its range and accuracy. The AIM-120C-8, meant for export, shares the F3 hardware upgrades but is loaded with distinct software. Both variants are capable of striking targets up to 160 kilometres (99 miles) away.

No Disruption to Regional Military Balance

The DSCA confirmed that the proposed deal will not disrupt the existing military balance in the region. Italy already fields AMRAAM systems and is expected to integrate the new munitions with ease. The sale will also enhance defence collaboration between the U.S., Italy, and other NATO allies, reinforcing Europe’s collective security framework.

Strategic Importance for the U.S. and NATO

Calling Italy “a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA noted that the transaction supports key U.S. foreign policy goals. The advanced missile systems are expected to equip Italy with the tools to counter both current and evolving aerial threats while supporting ongoing NATO missions and defence strategies.

Italy’s Defence Spending and Outlook

According to GlobalData, Italy has earmarked $30.8 billion for defence in 2024. However, projections for 2025–2029 indicate a slight decline with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just over -1%. Despite this trend, modernisation programmes and rising geopolitical tensions—especially with Russia—are driving strategic investments in advanced weapons systems like AMRAAM.

Principal Contractor and Next Steps

RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) has been identified as the prime contractor for this sale. No offset agreements have been announced at this stage, though such details may emerge during the Italy-RTX negotiation phase.

Similar Deals in the Region

This announcement comes shortly after the U.S. approved a separate $1.04 billion AMRAAM sale to Australia in April 2025, demonstrating a continued emphasis on strengthening allied air power through high-performance missile systems.