Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched

Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched

Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched

Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched

Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched

Italy is acquiring the latest AIM-9X Block II+ air-to-air missile to equip its fleet of F-35 (pictured) combat aircraft. (Italian Air Force)

The United States has approved the sale of 66 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles to Italy, announcing a potential USD90.6 million sale on 15 March.

The US Department of State approval covers the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of an additional 28 Block II+ missiles to add to the 38 previously approved, as well as training missiles, related equipment, training, and support.

“The proposed sale will improve Italy's capability to meet current and future threats by providing training missiles and guidance units for Italy's F-35 fleet in support of NATO's defence mission,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

Compared with the Block I missile, the Block II (also known as AIM-9X-2) features a redesigned fuze, as well as new onboard processors, a rocket motor battery, ignition safety device, and datalink. According to Janes Weapons: Air-Launched