US approves $1.22 billion AMRAAM missile sale to UAE to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The United States has approved a $1.22 billion Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for 400 AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, reinforcing the country’s ability to intercept advanced aerial threats in beyond-visual-range engagements.

The sale, processed under emergency provisions with immediate execution, supports UAE Air Force F-16 Block 60 and Mirage 2000-9 operations and follows intensified interception activity recorded in March 2026. By expanding missile stockpiles and readiness levels, the deal strengthens sustained high-tempo air defense operations and reinforces regional deterrence against Iran's large-scale drones and ballistic missile attacks.

Read also: Australia reinforces UAE air defense with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to counter Iranian drones

Integration of the AMRAAM missile within the UAE Air Force is centered on its primary fighter fleet, such as the F-16 Block 60, used for air superiority and interception missions against aerial threats such as drones and missiles (Picture source: US Air Force)

On March 19, 2026, the United States approved a $1.22 billion Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates covering Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and associated support elements, with immediate execution authorized under emergency provisions. The package includes 400 AIM-120C-7 or AIM-120C-8 missiles and eight AIM-120C-8 guidance sections, along with control sections, storage containers, spare parts, consumables, and repair support. Additional components include classified and unclassified software, as well as U.S government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical assistance. The transaction follows the Foreign Military Sales framework, with certification to Congress delivered on the same day.

In parallel with the AMRAAM approval, additional Foreign Military Sales were authorized for the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan under the same emergency justification framework. The UAE package includes $644 million in F-16 munitions and upgrades, comprising 1,500 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, 900 KMU-556 JDAM kits, and 300 KMU-557 JDAM kits, along with training rounds and support equipment. A $4.5 billion sale of a Long-Range Discrimination Radar integrated with THAAD systems was also approved, including Sentinel A4 uplinkers and fire control stations. A separate $2.1 billion FS-LIDS system includes ten batteries, 240 Coyote Block 2 interceptors, Ku-band radars, and electro-optical sensors for counter-UAV operations.

Kuwait is set to receive up to eight LTAMDS radar systems valued at $8 billion, while Jordan is approved for $70.5 million in aircraft repair and spare parts. All transactions were processed under emergency determinations citing national security interests, enabling bypass of standard Congressional review timelines. For instance, during the opening phase from February 28 to March 3, the UAE's interception rates ranged from 150 to 250 targets per day, with cumulative figures of 174 ballistic missiles and 689 drones detected within 48 hours, of which the majority were intercepted, indicating daily engagement volumes exceeding 150 intercepts. Between March 4 and March 7, the interception rate stabilized between 150 and 180 targets per day.

From March 8 to March 13, the rate declined, fluctuating between 50 and 120 interceptions per day. During the March 13 to March 16 phase, daily interception volumes dropped further to 30 to 60 targets, but from March 17 to March 20, activity increased again to 50 to 90 interceptions per day. Across the first 21 days of conflict, total intercepted threats are estimated between 1,700 and 2,000, corresponding to an average of 90 to 110 interceptions per day, with peak days exceeding 200 and low-intensity days falling to 30 to 40, while overall interception success rates remained between 90 and 95 percent. The AIM-120 AMRAAM, which will help to maintain such successful interceptions, entered service in September 1991 as a replacement for the AIM-7 Sparrow, introducing active radar guidance for beyond-visual-range engagements.

The missile uses a two-phase guidance process combining inertial navigation and terminal active radar homing. Before launch, the missile is loaded with target data, including position, velocity, and trajectory from the launching aircraft or external sensors. After launch, it follows a calculated interception path using its onboard navigation system, with optional mid-course updates transmitted via data link. In the terminal phase, the onboard radar seeker activates and independently acquires the target within a defined search area. This enables fire-and-forget operation, allowing the launching aircraft to disengage or engage additional targets. The missile also includes a home-on-jamming mode, enabling it to track electronic interference if radar signals are disrupted.

Selected by the UAE, the AIM-120C variants weigh 161.5 kg, measure 3.65 meters in length, and have a diameter of 178 mm with a wingspan of 484 mm. The missile is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor and reaches a maximum speed of Mach 4, equivalent to 1,372 meters per second. It carries a 20 kg high-explosive blast-fragmentation warhead, detonated by proximity or impact fuses. Control surfaces at the front and rear enable maneuvering loads up to 40G, allowing interception of highly maneuverable targets. Range varies by variant, with AIM-120A and B models reaching 75 km, AIM-120C extending to 90 km, and AIM-120D achieving between 130 km and 160 km depending on launch conditions.

The missile supports both radar-slaved and autonomous launch modes, including visual mode engagements. These specifications define its role in intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain UAV classes. The AMRAAM family has evolved through successive variants to improve range, guidance accuracy, and electronic resilience. The AIM-120A established baseline capability, followed by the AIM-120B with upgraded digital processing and memory systems. The AIM-120C introduced clipped control surfaces for compatibility with internal weapon bays on stealth aircraft and incremental improvements in seeker performance. Later C-variants, including C-5, C-7, and C-8, improved homing reliability, maneuverability, and range.

The AIM-120D introduced GPS-enhanced navigation, a two-way data link, and an expanded no-escape zone against maneuvering targets. The Form-Fit-Function Refresh program replaced legacy electronics with updated circuit boards, enabling continued software upgrades. The AIM-120D-3 variant incorporates extended range and improved processing architecture. Within the UAE Air Force, AMRAAM missiles are integrated primarily on F-16 Block 60 and Mirage 2000-9 aircraft, which constitute the main interceptor fleet. The air force operates approximately 610 aircraft with around 4,000 personnel, supported by surveillance, transport, and refueling assets across multiple bases, including Al Dhafra. F-16 aircraft are configured for multi-role missions, including air superiority and interception of drones and missiles.

The use of AMRAAM enables engagement at extended ranges, allowing interception before threats reach critical infrastructure. Integration with airborne sensors and ground-based radar systems supports coordinated targeting and engagement. The aircraft can employ multiple missiles in a single sortie due to fire-and-forget capability, improving high sortie rates. The combination of fighter aircraft and missile systems forms a core layer of UAE air defense. Australia’s contribution includes the transfer of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft to the UAE, announced on March 10, 2026.

The deployment includes supporting personnel for an initial four-week mission focused on monitoring Gulf airspace and supporting defensive operations. The assistance excludes offensive operations against Iran and does not involve ground force deployment. Australia operates multiple AMRAAM variants, including AIM-120C-7, C-8, and AIM-120D-3, the latter featuring extended range and updated electronics. The E-7A provides airborne surveillance, target tracking, and coordination of interceptor aircraft, improving engagement efficiency. The combination of missile supply and airborne early warning enhances detection range and response time. This support complements U.S. deliveries by increasing both sensor coverage and interceptor availability. The overall effect is an increase in interception capacity within a layered air defense structure.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.