The United States has cleared a $211 million weapons sale to Italy, authorizing the delivery of advanced air-to-air missiles for its fleet of F-35 stealth fighters. The deal includes the newest variant of the AMRAAM missile system, reinforcing Italy’s aerial combat capabilities and deepening defense cooperation between the two NATO allies.
Announced on June 16 by the U.S. Department of State, the sale covers a total of 70 medium-range missiles designed to enhance the Italian Air Force’s deterrence and response capacities. The transaction, led by RTX Corporation, includes both the AIM-120D-3—the latest and most sophisticated variant in the AMRAAM series—and the AIM-120C-8, which is currently approved for export.
The package comes as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which is used by the U.S. to provide defense equipment to allied nations. Italy’s procurement aims to replenish and modernize the missile stockpile assigned to its F-35s, a core component of its current air defense strategy. The purchase also continues a broader modernization effort following multiple acquisitions made in 2024.
Latest Generation Missiles for Allied Use
The centerpiece of this sale is the AIM-120D-3, a missile variant currently fielded only by U.S. forces and select allied air forces. According to Zona Militar, this model introduces enhanced range, upgraded guidance and navigation systems, and improved resistance to electronic countermeasures. These updates mark a significant technical step beyond the AIM-120C-8, the export version that has formed the backbone of many allied inventories.
The Italian request includes thirty AIM-120D-3 missiles, with the remaining forty units made up of AIM-120C-8s. These assets will directly support the combat readiness of Italy’s F-35 fleet, ensuring that the Aeronautica Militare is equipped with munitions compatible with the aircraft’s advanced avionics and stealth capabilities.
Reinforcing NATO Interoperability
The sale is positioned by the U.S. as part of a broader effort to maintain regional stability and interoperability among NATO forces. As noted in the statement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed transfer “will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats” and “advance United States interoperability with NATO and the Italian Armed Forces.”
This transaction follows earlier deliveries to Italy, which included AIM-120C-8 missiles and GBU-53/B bombs in February 2024, as well as AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ short-range missiles later in the same year. Together, these acquisitions reflect a consistent pattern of alignment between Italy’s military procurement and NATO’s strategic framework.
Continuity With Prior Military Purchases
The Italian Ministry of Defense has progressively built its F-35 armament portfolio through a series of acquisitions spanning recent years. The June authorization builds on earlier agreements, forming part of a long-term effort to support the combat effectiveness of its fifth-generation aircraft.
According to the media source, the current sale reflects Italy’s intent to “maintain and strengthen the stockpiles” of air-to-air munitions, following a procurement strategy focused on seamless integration and readiness. The Department of State also confirmed that Italy “already has AMRAAMs in its inventory” and will not face challenges incorporating the new units into its armed forces structure.
