By The Associated Press
The Bush administration has authorized the sale of 50 sophisticated American-made air-to-air missiles to Jordan, despite Israel’s protests to the sale, according to the U.S. military.
Sending Jordan 50 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated parts and systems would boost its ability to shoot down enemy aircraft at long range with its U.S.-designed F-16 fighters.
The sale is valued at up to $39 million, according to a release from the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The missiles’ primary manufacturer is Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona.
“The proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key regional partner who has proven to be a vital force for political stability and peace in the Middle East,” the release says.
“Jordan needs these missiles to enhance the air-to-air self-defense capability of its F-16 aircraft and provide for increased interoperability with U.S. forces.”
Although Israel and Jordan have had a peace treaty since 1996, Israel argued in August that the sale would set a dangerous precedent for U.S. arms deals in region.
Jerusalem had asked Washington to either render the missiles incapable of being fired on Israeli aircraft, or promise not to conclude a similar sale with the government of Egypt.
Israel and Egypt also have a peace treaty, but Israel has expressed concerns about an arms race in the region.
Pentagon and State Department officials declined to say whether, and how, Israel’s concerns had been dealt with. A State Department official said regional concerns were taken into account but declined to say more.
Congress has until December 20 to pass a joint resolution opposing the sale, which would effectively kill it. But officials familiar with the deal said that was unlikely at this stage in negotiations.
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December 4, 2004 at 12:16 pm