Israel and Turkey will obtain an upgrade of air-to-air missiles from the United States, reported the Middle East News Line (MENL).
The upgrades are part of a $9.8 million contract for a software upgrade of AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles to a range of US allies, said MENL, quoting a statement by Pentagon as saying Monday.
Raytheon Systems was awarded the contract to supply the upgrade of 2,244 AIM-120 missiles to Turkey and Israel, in addition to Finland, Italy, Sweden, South Korea, Japan and Norway, said the statement.
According to Raytheon's website, the AIM-120 is an advanced active radar-guided missile that features the latest digital technology and micro-miniature solid-state electronics.
The AIM-120 increases pilot survivability by allowing the pilot to break away immediately after launch, and engage other targets.
"Its low-smoke, high-impulse rocket motor reduces the enemy's ability to see the launch or the oncoming missile," says Raytheon.
AIM-120's capabilities include look-down/shoot-down and multiple launches against multiple targets.
The statement said the work is expected to be completed by July 2003 -- Albawaba.com
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