Raytheon is set to assess the potential for producing its AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) in the Netherlands, following U.S. approval for a feasibility study, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
Scheduled for next year, the study will examine ways Dutch industries could participate in the missile’s production, assembly, and maintenance, the ministry said in a statement released Monday evening.
The Netherlands described the initiative as the first step toward joint AIM-120 production with a European NATO ally—an effort aimed at strengthening transatlantic defense-industrial cooperation and addressing production shortfalls. “Expanding production capacity is crucial for continued support to Ukraine and the defense of NATO territory,” the ministry noted. “Through this initiative, the Netherlands seeks to accelerate AMRAAM manufacturing and delivery in collaboration with the U.S. and other NATO partners.”
The Ministry of Defence added that this kind of proactive international collaboration aligns with the country’s defense, industry, and innovation strategy. Neither Raytheon nor the Dutch MoD provided immediate comments regarding the study or potential co-production arrangements.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force already deploys Raytheon’s AMRAAM missile, which equips its F-35 fighter jets. The missile also serves as the primary interceptor for Kongsberg’s NASAMS air-defense system—recently confirmed for Dutch acquisition.
Although the Netherlands currently lacks domestic tactical missile manufacturing, it hosts advanced aerospace and defense firms, such as GKN Aerospace and Thales Nederland, that could supply components or engineering expertise.
Neighboring Belgium—also operating F-35s and planning to procure NASAMS—has reportedly been in talks with Raytheon’s parent company, RTX, about potential AMRAAM production. However, Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal told broadcaster VRT in July that no agreement had been reached.
In September, the U.S. State Department authorized a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for up to 232 AIM-120C-8 missiles, valued at approximately $570 million. Earlier this year, Poland and Germany also received similar approvals for AMRAAM purchases.
The AIM-120 was reportedly used in September to intercept Russian drones that crossed into Polish airspace, with Dutch F-35s assisting in the operation. Poland also fields the missile in its defense systems.
Raytheon currently operates a joint venture with European missile manufacturer MBDA to produce munitions for the Patriot air-defense system in Germany. In August, the company also signed an agreement with Diehl Defence to jointly manufacture components of the Stinger short-range missile in Europe.
These partnerships reflect Raytheon’s broader strategy to deepen ties with European defense industries, in line with the European Union’s push for greater domestic defense production among its member states.
