Turkey seeks Sidewinder missiles

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Turkey is seeking to buy Sidewinder missiles from the United States through a Foreign Military Sales deal worth $140 million.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sales package, if approved by Congress, would comprise 117 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, six AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, six dummy training missiles and 130 LAU-129 launchers.

Missile containers, missile support and test equipment, spare and repair parts would be included.

Raytheon Missile Systems would be the prime contractor and U.S. government or contractor representatives would be needed in Turkey on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

"It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area," the agency said. "This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives."

Turkey wants the missiles as part of its program to modernize its air force.