AGM-179

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $215 million Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for hundreds of advanced air-to-ground missiles designed to enhance the strike capabilities of its AH-64 Apache helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement Friday that it has delivered the required certification to Congress, notifying lawmakers of the proposed sale. According to the DSCA, the Dutch government has requested to purchase 296 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), along with a range of support equipment and services. This includes training missiles, technical and logistics support, publications, spare parts, and program assistance. The package is intended to strengthen the Netherlands’ ability to modernize its armed forces and improve deterrence against regional threats. “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 agency said. The AGM-179A JAGM is a multi-mode precision-guided munition designed to replace older systems including the TOW, Hellfire, and Maverick missiles. While it retains the same motor and warhead as the AGM-114 Hellfire, the JAGM introduces a dual-mode seeker that combines semi-active laser and millimeter-wave radar guidance. This allows it to strike targets even in low-visibility environments, such as through smoke or dust, which often defeats older laser-guided systems. Although the missile’s range remains around 8 kilometers—unchanged from the Hellfire—it is expected to be upgraded in a future variant known as JAGM-MR, which aims to double the strike distance to 16 kilometers. The Dutch Ministry of Defense intends to equip its Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Apache helicopters with the new munitions. The DSCA noted that the Netherlands “will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” and emphasized that the transfer “will not alter the basic military balance in the region.” Lockheed Martin, based in Orlando, Florida, is named as the principal contractor. At this time, there is no offset agreement tied to the deal, though one may be defined in future negotiations between the Dutch government and the manufacturer. To support implementation, approximately three U.S. government personnel and three contractors are expected to make regular trips to the Netherlands—roughly twice per year—for program reviews and training support. The JAGM system is already in service with the U.S. Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters and the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Viper. U.S. Marine Corps pilots have reportedly assessed that the missile could also be used in a maritime strike role. The missile’s integration with Link 16 data links allows for remote targeting in radio silence mode, adding further flexibility on the battlefield. Congress now has the opportunity to review the sale. If no objections are raised, the Netherlands could begin integrating the new capability into its air fleet within the coming years.

AGM-179

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AGM-179

U.S. clears $215M JAGM missile sale to Netherlands

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About The Defence Blog