CASR

Canadian
American
Strategic
Review

Canadian Forces Procurement – US FMS Notice – AIM-120C AMRAAM Missile AIM-120C  Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles — US Foreign Military Sale Notice — Proposed Sale to Canada Canada expressed interest in the US AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as part of the Canadian Forces' on-going IMP (Incremental Modern- ization Program) of  80 of  the Air Force's remaining CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. The AMRAAMs are to replace the current  AIM-7 Sparrow  medium-range air-to-air  missiles. In contrast with the AIM-7, the newer AMRAAM does not require the launching CF-18 to continue flying towards the target. The CF-18 IMP includes upgrades to accomodate the AIM-120, including a stores management system (MIL-STD-1760 weapon interface) plus  the much more advanced Raytheon APG-73 radar system. The text of the FMS notice  (as published by the US DSCA)  is reproduced below: ______________________________________________   Defense Security Cooperation Agency   NEWS RELEASE   On the web: http://www.dsca.mil   Media/Public Contact: (703) 601-3670   Date: 12 May 2003 ______________________________________________ Transmittal No. 03-16 CANADA — AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles On 12 May 2003, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of AIM-120C (AMRAAM) Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as [US] $80 million. The Government of Canada has requested a possible sale of  97 AIM-120C AMR- AAM Missiles, 9 AIM-120C AMRAAM Air Vehicle Instrumented, 66 AMRAAM Captive  Air  Training  Missiles,  flight  test  instrumentation,  software updates to support AMRAAM operational  and  training devices,  missile containers, aircraft modification and integration, spare and  repair parts, support/test equipment, pub- lications,  technical documentation,  maintenance  and   pilot  training ,  contractor support, other related elements of  logistical and  program support.  The estimated cost  is  [US] $80 million. This proposed sale  will contribute  to the foreign policy and national security ob- jectives of  the United States by improving the military capabilities of  Canada and further weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. Canada needs these missiles to enhance the air-to-air self-defense capability of its F-18  [ CF-18 ]  aircraft  and  provide for increased interoperability with U.S. forces. Canada  will  have  no difficulty  absorbing  these  missiles  into  its  armed  forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and  support will  not affect the basic military balance in the region.  The prime contractor will  be  Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona.  There  are  no offset  agreements  proposed  in connection  with this potential sale. Implementation of  this proposed sale will not  require the assignment of  any add- itional  U.S. Government  or  contractor  representatives  to  Canada. There will be  no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness  as a result of  this pro- posed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.