Italy - Guidance Section Single Variant Air-to-Air Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II

August 21, 2026

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy for purchase of Guidance Section Single Variant Air-to-Air Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $364 million.

The Government of Italy has requested to buy 5,031 Guidance Sections Single Variant Air-to-Air Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II WGU 59B/B. The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: LAU-131 A/A launchers; Mk-152 high explosive warheads; MK66 rocket motors; proximity fuzes; WTU-1/B practice warheads; inert MK66 rocket motors; other support equipment; publications and technical documentation; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

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 proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense and serving as a deterrent to regional threats. This enhanced capability will protect Italy and local allied land

forces and will significantly improve Italy’s contribution to NATO integrated air missile defense. Italy will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, located in Nashua, New Hampshire. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Italy.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

Source : US Department of State