Israel seeks Sidewinder missile deal

WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- A possible sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles to Israel has received approval from the U.S. State Department and now awaits a go-ahead from Congress.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, broker for the Foreign Military Sales deal, said the air-to-air missiles -- together with associated equipment and support -- "will improve the capability of the Israeli Air Force, enhance Israeli interoperability with the U.S., and help maintain regional peace and security."

The proposed deal is worth an estimated $544 million.

The FMS package would consist of as many as 600 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 50 ATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, missile containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning and spare and repair parts.

Raytheon Missile Systems would be the principal contractor.

According to the military agency, contractor or government representatives would be required to travel to Israel on a temporary basis to provide program technical support and other services.