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Israel Seeks $334 Million In Raytheon AMRAAM Missiles

By Staff Writer | August 27, 2007

      Israel is looking to buy 200 Raytheon Co. [RTN] AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air (AMRAAM) missiles as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.

      Besides the 200 AMRAAM missiles, Israel is seeking containers, components, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $171 million, DSCA said.

      Israel’s strategic position makes it vital to the United States’ interests throughout the Middle East, DSCA said. U.S. policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency.

      It is vital to the U.S. national interests to assist Israel developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives, according to DSCA.

      Israel will maintain its qualitative edge with a balance of new weapons procurement and upgrades supporting its existing systems.

      As well, Israel, which already has these munitions in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles, the agency said.

      Israel also wants to spend $163 million on 30 RGM-84L Block II

      Harpoon Anti-Ship missiles with containers and 500 AIM-9M Sidewinder Short Range Air-to-Air Infrared Guided missiles as well as associated equipment and services, DSCA said.

      The principal contractors are The Boeing Co. [BA] and Raytheon.

      Israel is also looking to spend upward of $308 million for 90 million gallons of JP-8 Aviation Jet and Diesel fuel, according to DSCA.

      Proposed sale of the JP-8 aviation fuel will enable Israel to maintain the operational capability of its aircraft inventory. The diesel fuel will be used for ground forces vehicles and other equipment used in keeping peace and security in the region. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this additional fuel into its armed forces, DSCA said.

      The Defense Energy Supply Center is unable to identify the vendors at this time due to the competitive bid process for the supply source or sources, added DSCA.