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The government of the Netherlands is expected to acquire more than 296 joint air-to-ground missiles under a US$215 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was notified of the possible foreign military sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 12 June.
The Netherlands has requested to buy AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) as well as AGM-179 JAGM Captive Air Training Missiles, Tactical Aviation Ground Munition Program office technical assistance, Security Assistance Management Directorate, Joint Attack Munition Systems technical assistance, missile handling training, classified and unclassified publications, spare parts and storage.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA said in a statement.
“The Netherlands intends to use these defence articles and services to modernise its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats.
“This will contribute to the Netherlands’ military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies.
“These systems will be employed by AH-64 Apache attack helicopters operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The principal contractor is expected to be Lockheed Martin Corporation and the implementation of the proposed sale will require approximately three US government and three contractor representatives to travel to the Netherlands for program management reviews to support the program. Travel is expected to occur approximately twice per year as needed to support equipment fielding and training.
