US Approves Sidewinder Missile Sale for Romanian F-16s

The US State Department has approved the sale of 300 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles and related equipment to Romania.

Bucharest requested the short-range air-to-air missiles to increase the capabilities of its F-16 fleet, acquired from Norway in 2023.

The Raytheon missile has an estimated range of over 10 miles (16 kilometers) and features thrust vectoring maneuverability and an advanced imaging infrared seeker.

The estimated $340.8-million sale includes 40 AIM-9X block II tactical missile guidance units, 40 AIM-9X block II captive air training missiles, and 20 AIM-9X block II CATM guidance units. 

“The proposed sale will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air missiles for its F-16 fleet in support of NATO’s defense mission,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.

The US earlier approved the sale of modernization equipment for the Romanian F-16s, including KY-58M secure radio communication modules and KIV-78 Identification Friend or Foe.

A total of 32 used F-16s were bought from Norway for 388 million euros ($418 million).

The aircraft will be serviced before being delivered to Romania.