Arms Sales Notification — Government of Lithuania ($214 million): One hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical
Key claim: The United States notified Congress of a proposed $214 million Foreign Military Sale to Lithuania of 168 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles plus guidance units, training missiles, and support, amending a prior below-threshold case.
Abstract
(Notice · Defense Department) The Department of War is publishing the unclassified text of an arms sales notification.
AGENCY: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Arms sales notice.
SUMMARY: The Department of War is publishing the unclassified text of an arms sales notification. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Urooj Zahra at (703) 695-6233, [email protected] , or [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 36(b) arms sales notification is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104- 164 dated July 21, 1996. The following is a copy of the attached Transmittal 26-40, Policy Justification, and Sensitivity of Technology. Dated: May 12, 2026. Stephanie J. Bost, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. Transmittal No. 26-40 Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Lithuania Major Defense Equipment *… $174 million Other… $40 million
TOTAL… $214 million Funding Source: National Funds (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case LH-B-LAV was below congressional notification threshold at $19.5 million ($10.5 million in major defense equipment (MDE)) and included sixteen (16) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; two (2) AIM- 9X Block II tactical guidance units; training; weapon system support; training aids and devices; spare parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The Government of Lithuania has requested that the case be amended to include one hundred fifty-two (152) AIM 9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles; eight (8) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance units; and six (6) AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles. The following non-MDE items will also be included: U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. This amendment will cause the case to exceed the notification threshold, and thus notification of the entire program is required. The above notification requirements are combined as follows: Major Defense Equipment (MDE): One hundred sixty-eight (168) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles Ten (10) AIM-9X Block II tactical guidance
Why this matters
This notification continues a pattern of upgrading Lithuania’s air defense and air-to-air capabilities via FMS amendments that push prior below-threshold cases above the congressional notification floor. Combined with the earlier AMRAAM enhancement, it signals sustained US arming of a NATO frontline state bordering Russia and Belarus.