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The United States has approved a possible $301 million sale of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) to Italy, following a determination issued by the State Department.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that it has delivered the required certification, notifying Congress. Washington said the sale will improve Italy’s ability to meet present and future threats by adding stand-off capability for its fighter aircraft, including F-35 aircraft.

The DSCA added that Italy will “have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces”. The agency confirmed that the transfer will not alter the basic military balance in the region. It said the sale would contribute to Italy’s long-range strike capability without affecting regional stability.

The approval is part of a broader pattern of U.S. military cooperation with European allies, particularly as NATO members continue to modernize their forces in response to evolving security challenges.

Details of the Package

Lockheed Martin has been named as the principal contractor for the potential deal. The proposal will proceed to congressional review before any agreement is finalized. Italy has requested one hundred (100) AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range, a weapon designed to strike high-value targets from distances that reduce aircraft exposure to air defenses.

In addition to the missiles, the package includes JASSM classified test equipment, KGV-135A encryption devices, spare parts, software, and technical documentation. The offer also covers logistics services, transportation support, site surveys, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics assistance.

These elements are intended to ensure Italy can fully integrate the system into its existing platforms and maintain the missiles throughout their operational life cycle.

The DSCA said the proposed sale reflects Italy’s interest in expanding its long-range precision strike capabilities as part of ongoing procurement and modernization programs.

Italian officials have previously highlighted the need to enhance deterrence and interoperability in line with NATO standards, especially as advanced systems become increasingly central to allied air operations.

Strategic and Policy Considerations

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale aligns with the United States’ foreign policy and national security priorities by strengthening a key NATO ally. The agency stated that the transfer will “support the foreign policy goals 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”.

It added that the approval underscores Washington’s commitment to helping allies modernise their forces amid a shifting global security landscape. The DSCA said the added capability will enhance Italy’s ability to operate alongside U.S. and NATO partners, particularly during joint exercises and coalition operations.

Italy’s participation in multinational missions has increased in recent years, and the integration of JASSM-ER is expected to reinforce the country’s contribution to collective defense initiatives.

The agency also emphasized that the sale will not place any undue burden on U.S. resources. The training, support, and technical assistance provided by the U.S. Government will consist primarily of temporary deployments rather than long-term stationing of personnel.

This approach aligns with standard procedures for Foreign Military Sales and ensures the customer nation maintains full operational responsibility once integration is complete.

Italy’s Military Modernization

Italy has been upgrading its Air Force fleet and strengthening its defense capabilities in recent years. The acquisition of F-35 aircraft has been a central part of this effort, and the country has sought additional systems that enhance the aircraft’s operational value.

The addition of JASSM-ER offers a significant increase in stand-off capability, enabling Italian forces to strike strategic targets at extended ranges.

Italian defense planners have argued that long-range precision weapons are essential for addressing modern threats, which increasingly involve contested airspace, advanced surface-to-air missile systems, and hybrid warfare scenarios.

The DSCA said the JASSM-ER will provide Italy with a flexible, survivable option for deterring or responding to such challenges.

The sale is also expected to support Italy’s broader industrial and defense cooperation with the United States. Although production will remain with Lockheed Martin, Italy’s involvement in various F-35 industrial supply chains means the missile integration process will contribute indirectly to ongoing defense sector collaboration.

Congress will now review the proposed transfer. While congressional approval is required for all major arms sales, deals involving close NATO allies typically proceed without major objections. If the sale is cleared, Italy and Lockheed Martin will begin negotiating contract terms, including delivery schedules and support arrangements.

Once an agreement is signed, production and delivery will follow standard timelines, which can span several years depending on manufacturing capacity and system requirements. The U.S. Government and Lockheed Martin will work with Italian personnel on training, system integration, and operational testing to ensure the missiles are fully deployable.