DEFENCE
DEFENCE
ARMAMENTS
The Italian Embassy in Washington D.C. notified the Navy International Programs Office that the Italian Air Force accepted and signed the Letter of Offer & Acceptance (LOA) provided by the United States Government.
Italian Air Force officials signed the LOA on November 19, and shortly after representatives from the Air-to-Air Missiles Program Office – PMA-259 and the Raytheon Missiles & Defense company presented the AIM-9X Block II/II+ upgraded capabilities to the Italian Air Force Staff and F-35 Lightning II pilots.
The F-35 can carry up to two AIM-9X missiles on its wings and four AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles internally.
This LOA refers to a small quantity of AIM-9X Block II/II+ missiles to complement the Italian F-35 fleet. This procurement will be part of the US Navy’s Lot 23 Production Contract, which will be awarded in 2023 and shall deliver missiles in 2026.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder (where “AIM” stands for “Air Intercept Missile”) is a short-range air-to-air missile that entered service with the US Navy in 1956 and subsequently was adopted by the US Air Force in 1964.
It is worth noting that the AIM-9X missiles feature the 5th generation “Block II+II” technology which adds a ‘Lock-on After Launch’ capability with a data link, so the missile can first be launched and then directed to its target by an aircraft with the proper equipment for 360-degree engagements, such as the F-35s and the F-22s.
Also read: Lockheed wins $10.9B contract to modernise F-22
ARMAMENTS
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
Remote Modular Terminal | The US Space Force’s new weapon system
The US Space Force has unveiled its new Remote Modular Terminal (RMT) weapon system. The system has completed its…
ASCANIO | Made-in-Cyprus Mixed Reality training
https://defenceredefined.com.cy/ascanio-made-in-cyprus-mixed-reality-training/Technology is advancing at an accelerated pace and so do the training requirements of those holding high-risk positions.
IWI | Introduces Micro Folding Battle Sights to enhance Co-Witness capabilities
IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), a member of the SK Group, has unveiled its new Micro Folding Battle Sights (MFBS).
Cyprus Issue | Russia’s will to help UN efforts
Russia’s willingness to support the efforts of the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Ángela Holguín Cuéjar, to resume…
Ukraine | New spokeswoman for Foreign Ministry looks real…but she’s not
The new spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was presented by Ukraine… an AI-generated person. That is Victoria Shi.
HNDGS | Bilateral joint training between Greece and Poland – Photos
The bilateral joint training between the Armed Forces of Greece and Poland, in the wider area of Attica, was completed on Thursday…
Turkey | Severes trade relations with Israel
Turkey suspended all trade with Israel as of yesterday, Thursday, Bloomberg reported, citing two Turkish officials.
USA | New initiative in Congress for complete lift of arms embargo in Cyprus
The complete lift of the arms embargo on the Republic of Cyprus and the abolition of its annual renewal is provided for in a bill…
Sielman | Contract for support of the HAWK anti-aircraft system
The US Department of Defence has awarded a $49.9 million contract modification to Greek company Sielman S.A. to provide diagnostic and…