The US State Department has approved two separate foreign military sales packages covering missile systems and associated support for Lithuania and the Netherlands.
Lithuania is set to receive 168 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles under a deal valued at $214 million, with RTX as the designated principal contractor.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, has requested 530 Lockheed Martin-manufactured AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles in a package estimated at $200 million.
According to Washington, both sales are aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of NATO allies in Europe and advancing US foreign policy and national security objectives.
Sidewinder Missiles
The Baltic state requested an additional 152 Sidewinder missiles, eight tactical guidance units, six captive air training missiles, and related support services.
The package builds on a previous $19.5-million sale covering 16 Sidewinders, two tactical guidance units, and associated logistics support.
While the short-range infrared-guided missile is primarily deployed from fighter and attack aircraft, the AIM-9X has also been adapted for use on ground-based air defense systems such as Vilnius’ NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System).
Beyond Lithuania, other NATO eastern flank countries, including Poland and Romania, also field Sidewinder missiles.
Hellfire Missiles
The Netherlands’ Hellfire package includes technical assistance from the US Army Aviation and Missile Command Security Assistance Management Directorate and the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Project Office, along with broader logistics and program support.
The air-to-ground missiles are commonly deployed from platforms such as the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and the MQ-9A Reaper drone, both operated by the Dutch armed forces.
Amsterdam’s latest order follows earlier purchases of Hellfire missiles for its existing platforms.
