US approves hundreds of latest-variant AMRAAM missiles for Poland

Poland is set to acquire hundreds of the latest variant AIM-120D3 AMRAAM to equip its fleet of combat aircraft, including the F-16 (pictured). (Polish Ministry of National Defence)

The US Department of State has approved the sale to Poland of hundreds of the latest-variant RTX AIM-120D3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs).

Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 29 April, the approval covers 400 missiles, related equipment, training, and support for an estimated USD1.33 billion.

“The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air defence to protect Polish and allied forces in transition or combat and significantly improve the Polish contribution to NATO requirements. Poland already has AMRAAM in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces,” the DSCA said.

The AIM-120D3 is a form, fit, function refresh (F3R) of the AIM-120D, which entered service in 2015. The refresh includes upgraded guidance circuit cards, which allow for GPS-guided mid-course flight and enable regular software updates versus block version improvements. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched, the AIM-120D3 has an estimated range of 160 km.

The proposed deal, which will now be put before the US Congress for final approval, would see Poland join Australia, Canada, Norway, the UK, and the US in fielding the AIM-120D3 version of the AMRAAM. In Polish service, the missile will equip its fleet of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle, Lockheed Martin F‐16C/D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon, and Lockheed Martin F-35 Husarz combat aircraft.

For more information on the Polish Air Force, please see Feature: Poland accelerates and expands revamp of air force to counter Russia .