US Approves Sales AGM-88G Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles to Poland and the Netherlands.

The US State Department has approved the sale of advanced anti-radiation missiles to two NATO countries in Europe, the Netherlands and Poland, in deals potentially totaling nearly $2 billion. Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on April 24, these foreign military sales mark a significant step in enhancing the defense capabilities of both nations.
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Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is launched from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft (Picture source: Northrop Grumman )

According to the DSCA, the Netherlands is set to receive 265 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles – Extended Range (AARGM-ER), while Poland will acquire 360. The deals also include related equipment and logistical services, with costs estimated at $700 million for the Netherlands and nearly $1.3 billion for Poland.

Originally developed for the US Navy, the AARGM-ER is designed to counter advanced and long-range threats, allowing pilots to remain out of the enemy's effective range. The missile can be deployed on platforms such as Boeing's EA-18G Growler and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, as well as Lockheed Martin's F-35. Both the Netherlands, currently operating the F-35A, and Poland, which is acquiring the stealth fighter, will be able to seamlessly integrate these missiles into their armed forces.

These sales will support the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States by enhancing the security of NATO allies. The missiles will boost the two nations' abilities to counter current and future threats by targeting and neutralizing land-based or maritime radar emitters linked to enemy air defenses, thereby improving the survivability of tactical aircraft.

Northrop Grumman Systems, based in Falls Church, VA, is the principal contractor, with no known offset agreements proposed in this potential sale. Implementation of this sale will involve multiple visits by US government and contractor representatives to the Netherlands and Poland to support the delivery and integration of the missiles, as well as to provide support management and equipment familiarization.

The United States has fostered a robust military cooperation with NATO allies Poland and the Netherlands, primarily through substantial arms sales and joint defense initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and enhancing mutual defense capabilities. These sales not only strengthen the military readiness of Poland and the Netherlands but also reinforce the broader NATO alliance's ability to counteract emerging threats, demonstrating the US commitment to the security and stability of its European allies.

 The missile can be deployed on platforms such as Boeing's EA-18G Growler and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, as well as Lockheed Martin's F-35 (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)

Defense News April 2024