The US State Department has approved the sale of AARGM-ER anti-radar missiles to the Netherlands for use with fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters.
According to the information published on the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) website, the deal is worth approximately $700 million. Under this contract, the Netherlands will receive 265 AARGM-ER missiles, as well as the necessary spare parts and control modules.
The AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range) is a significant improvement of the AGM-88E AARGM missile and is designed to effectively suppress enemy air defense radar systems. The missiles have an inertial guidance system, GPS, and can locate targets independently thanks to an active-passive radar homing head. The 70 kg warhead contains 12,845 striking elements made of tungsten.
In the United States, AARGM-ERs are used with several types of aircraft, including the F/A-18EF Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler deck-based fighters, in addition to the already mentioned F-35 Lightning II.
