U.S. Approves $1.33 Billion AIM-120D3 Missile Sale to Poland to Strengthen NATO Air Defense Capabilities
At the end of April the U.S. Department of State authorized a possible $1.33 billion Foreign Military Sale to Poland for AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of this sale because it will bolster Polish defense in the face of growing threats emanating from neighboring areas in the wake of the Ukrainian conflict.
As the premier NATO ally in the northwestern part of Europe, Poland has prioritized air defense modernization in its military development planning. The Polish defense officials plan to purchase 400 AIM-120D3 missiles and 16 GPS-guided sections utilizing SAASM or M-Code encryption standards, and one instrumented test car and support package. This includes missile containers, control sections, encryption units (KGV-135A), test gear (ADU-891, CMBRE), software, Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINs), spares, classified documentation, and logistic support. The sale also includes transportation and technical support from the U.S. government and the contractor. RTX Corporation (previously known as the Raytheon Company), headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, will be the lead contractor.
The upgraded AIM-120D3 variant of the AMRAAM has an extended range between 160–180 km with greater protection against electronic countermeasures and enhanced target capabilities. This missile uses inertial navigation along with two-way data link updating that maintains its fire-and-forget capabilities. This missile flies at near Mach speeds of 4 while capable of engaging high-speed threats like enemy fighters, bombers, and cruise missiles. The missile has a payload of a 20 kg fragmentation warhead that uses proximity and impact fuses. The D3 variant is used in several advanced planes like the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Typhoon, and Rafale. Poland will be able to form a defensive system using NASAMS ground-based systems that allow it to integrate this weaponry technology. The missiles will come into operation with Poland’s F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft before the arrival of the fleet of F-35As that is scheduled to begin arriving in 2026.
This is the first purchase by Poland of the AIM-120D3, so far supplied to only chosen American allies. While each missile is valued at approximately $1 million, the total deal encompasses far more than weaponry. There has been no announced offset, though one is possible later. The sale is not contingent on the stationing of U.S. troops in Poland and will not affect U.S. readiness.
The sale is in line with U.S. security and foreign policy objectives by further fortifying a robust NATO ally. It will assist Poland in defending against existing and emerging air threats, defend allied military units, and enhance NATO’s general defense capacity. As Poland is already utilizing earlier versions of the AMRAAM, adding the D3 to its existing frameworks should not pose significant problems.