The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has obtained approval from the USA for the Royal Saudi Air Power [RSAF] to amass 2,503 AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles. This buy, valued at roughly $655 million, contains not solely the missiles but additionally further help and check tools, integration and check companies, spare and restore components, in addition to software program supply and upkeep. Of the two,503 missiles ordered, three are designated as check missiles, which can be evaluated upon supply.
The first platform for the Hellfire missiles is the Boeing AH-64 Apache assault helicopter. Moreover, RSAF’s AH-6 Little Chicken helicopters and MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial autos [UAVs] may also be outfitted with the AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles.
The AGM-114R3 Hellfire II is a laser-guided precision missile designed to focus on armored autos, bunkers, and different high-value constructions. It measures roughly 163 cm in size and weighs 49 kg. The missile has a variety of about 8 km and is provided with a multifunctional warhead that can be utilized for each anti-armor and fragmentation functions. Its laser steerage system permits for exact concentrating on of each stationary and shifting targets, whereas its modular design ensures compatibility with varied platforms, together with helicopters, drones, and floor programs.
Latest checks of the AGM-114R3 Hellfire II have demonstrated its enhanced capabilities. The U.S. Military and Lockheed Martin not too long ago accomplished checks that targeted on the missile’s superior software program, steerage system, and multipurpose warhead. These checks highlighted the missile’s effectiveness in partaking a variety of targets, together with armored autos and constructions, even in advanced operational environments.
One notable check concerned launching the missile from unmanned platforms just like the MQ-9 Reaper. This simulated real-world fight eventualities, with profitable strikes on each shifting and stationary targets. These checks purpose to refine the missile’s lock-on-after-launch performance and enhance its flexibility in goal engagement. The missile’s precision and prolonged vary had been central to those trials, underscoring its readiness for broader deployment.
The first customers of the AGM-114R3 Hellfire II are the armed forces of the USA and its allies. The U.S. army deploys the missile on varied platforms, together with the AH-64 Apache assault helicopters, that are the first carriers of the missile. Unmanned aerial autos just like the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator additionally use the Hellfire for precision strikes towards floor targets. The U.S. Navy launches the AGM-114 from helicopters such because the MH-60R/S Seahawk for anti-ship missions and different goal engagements. Particular forces use the Hellfire on plane just like the AC-130 Spectre.
A number of U.S. allies, together with the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, additionally use the AGM-114R3 Hellfire II. The UK integrates it into its MQ-9 Reaper drones, whereas Saudi Arabia makes use of it totally on its AH-64 Apache helicopters. Israel has integrated the missile into varied unmanned programs and fight helicopters for protection operations. Many of those nations deploy the Hellfire for missions concentrating on tanks, armored autos, and fortified websites.
Along with the Hellfire missiles, Saudi Arabia has additionally obtained approval to amass 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles, together with 10,000 M456 sequence, 105mm high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] tracer cartridges. This acquisition additionally contains a variety of different ammunition sorts, together with tank, howitzer and machine gun shells; propelling prices; fuzes; primers; grenades; help and check tools; integration and check companies; spare and restore components; software program supply and help; technical publications; and coaching tools. The full worth of those acquisitions quantities to $390 million.
Saudi Arabia has a wide range of platforms that may make the most of these munitions. The AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles are primarily fired from AH-64 Apache helicopters, that are a part of the Saudi Air Power and play a vital function in concentrating on floor forces, resembling armored autos and fortifications. This mixture of superior missiles and fight helicopters offers Saudi Arabia vital floor fight capabilities.
For the AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, these air-to-air missiles are built-in into Saudi Arabia’s F-15SA fighter jets, that are upgraded variants of the F-15 able to performing advanced aerial maneuvers and missions. The Sidewinder is essential for air fight, offering protection towards enemy plane and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s air superiority capabilities.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia makes use of 105mm M456 Excessive-Explosive Anti-Tank [HEAT] tracer cartridges on older tanks, just like the M60A3, that are a part of their floor forces. These munitions are designed to defeat armored targets, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s anti-tank capabilities. Different objects, resembling tank and howitzer shells, together with grenades and machine gun ammunition, are utilized by platforms just like the M1A2 Abrams and M109 Paladin, bolstering the general firepower of Saudi floor forces.
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