DSCA announced the approval of 53 AIM-120C-8 BVRAAMs and 60 AIM-9X Block II WVRAAMs to Turkiye for an estimated cost of $304.1 million by the State Department.
In most specifications, AIM-120C-8 is close to the AIM-120D variant, including the maximum firing range of 160 km, almost 1.5 times that of the AIM-120C-7 missiles in Turkish Air Force service. DSCA's announcement in January 2024 includes the acquisition of 952 AIM-120C-8 or equivalent missiles.
The AIM-120C-8 lacks two-way data link to update the target and uses standard flight profile while D3 is equipped with more advanced sensors and follows improved flight path algorithms. The D3 also has more Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Resistance in comparison with C8 version.
The lower count of missiles compared to approved sales to other U.S.-allied nations suggests this is likely to improve the capabilities of F-16 fighters that will not be fitted with the ÖZGÜR modernisation package.
The Turkish F-16s to be fitted with ÖZGÜR modernisation package will have the capability to use the indigenous GÖKDOĞAN BVRAAM and BOZDOĞAN WVRAAMs developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE. The last phase of the ÖZGÜR programme includes the integration of ASELSAN’s MURAD 100-A AESA radar, which will elevate the BVR capabilities of Turkish F-16s further.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
