Intelligence: The Fruit of the AMRAAM

Archives

February 4, 2008: Last week, Italian police found two AMRAAM air-to-air missiles hidden among a truck load of oranges from Greece. The 12 foot long missiles, it turned out, were inert dummy models, used for testing and training. Documents were checked and the missiles were traced to a Greek Air Force base. The Greeks said the missiles were headed back to German firm that owned them. What first appeared to be a major intelligence operation, turned out to be much less. Shipping them "hidden" in a truck full of oranges was apparently just a convenient way to transport them, although Italian authorities thought this might to be a ploy to avoid paying customs duties for bringing the missiles into the country. But in the end it appears that the two dummy missiles had been loaned the Greek air force for use on F-4 aircraft, and were simply being trucked back to their owners in Germany.

X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close