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The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles and support to Lithuania, a package valued at up to $214 million, as Washington moves to deepen military ties with a key NATO ally on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Under the request, Lithuania would receive an additional 152 AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles, eight Block II tactical guidance units and six Captive Air Training Missiles, along with training, spare parts, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. The new package will be added to an earlier Foreign Military Sales case worth $19.5 million that provided 16 AIM-9X missiles and two guidance units.
Taken together, the combined cases cover 168 AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles, 10 tactical guidance units and six captive air training missiles, according to the State Department. RTX Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, will be the principal contractor.
U.S. officials said the sale would support American foreign policy and national security by strengthening a NATO ally that plays an important role in European stability. They added that Lithuania will be able to integrate the equipment and that the transfer would not alter the region’s basic military balance.
The AIM-9X Block II is the latest version of the U.S.-made, short-range, infrared-guided Sidewinder, fielded across U.S. and allied fighter fleets. The proposed sale requires congressional review and could be adjusted as contract terms are finalized.
