MOSCOW, July 16. (ARMS-TASS). US State Department has approved the possible supplies of AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, necessary spare parts and equipment, as well as logistic support to Israel worth a total of $544 million.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency reported this on Wednesday. The relevant notice on possible weapon supplies has been submitted with the Congress July 14.

Earlier, the Israeli authorities requested supplies of 600 Block II AIM-9X-2 all-up round missiles, 50 CATM-9X-2 training missiles (Captive Air Training Missiles), four mockups of these missiles (Dummy Air Training Missiles), equipment for storing and testing the missiles, spare parts, training devices for the military personnel, logistic support from US governmental organizations and the contractor, technological documents and several other services.

The press service has noted that the USA seeks to help Israel in boosting its defensive capacity. The planned missile supplies would contribute to strengthening the Israeli Air Force and raise the level of its cooperation with US Air Force.

Experts say the Israel’s Air Force will not face any difficulties in mastering the supplied weapons.

DSCA press service added that the possible transaction would not have any negative effect on the military balance in the region. The main contractor would be Raytheon Missile Systems Company based in Tucson, Arizona. No offset agreements linked to the planned contract have been concluded so far.