UK Given Approval To Buy US Missiles

An American F-35 test launches an AMRAAM missile. (Image: US Air Force).

The United States has approved the sale of AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) at a cost of $650 million.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency says the UK Government has requested to buy up to 200 of the missiles.

The AMRAAM will be used on Britain's variant of the F-35 aircraft.

In response to the potential purchase, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Forces News:

"We are committed to ensuring our key Typhoon tranche 1 fighter fleet has the cutting-edge equipment it needs to protect Britain in a climate of intensifying threats.

"We announce all purchases when appropriate."

Earlier in the year, Forces News spoke to Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin in the UK, Peter Ruddock about the AMRAAM and how it will be used on the F-35B: