The United States government has authorized a new potential sale of equipment for the Royal Australian Air Force’s fighters and aircraft. In this new notification, submitted by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress, equipment focused on the protection of combat aircraft, such as flares and chaff cartridges, has been outlined. These would be provided through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Currently, the Royal Australian Air Force possesses a significant number of combat, transport, refueling, airborne early warning and control, as well as maritime surveillance and patrol aircraft, which use this type of equipment as part of their countermeasure subsystems and protection against various types of missiles. This equipment is also used to disrupt or degrade the fire control capabilities of air defense systems, to name a few examples.
Among the aforementioned Australian aircraft, we can highlight the F/A-18F Super Hornet combat aircraft and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, as well as the modern F-35A Lightning II.
According to the notification dated March 18 and published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Australian government requested the purchase of a package of equipment for the countermeasure systems of its military aircraft. Valued at US$ 165 million, it includes the provision of the following items:
- MJU-61 flare countermeasures
- MJU-64 flare countermeasures
- MJU-66 flare countermeasures
- MJU-76 flare countermeasures
- RR-198A/L chaff cartridges
- CCU-145/A impulse cartridges
- Support equipment (MK-3 pallet)
Finally, the Department of State has stated: “This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power significantly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is in the national interest of the U.S. to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
They added: “The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s ability to address current and future threats by protecting and increasing the survivability of its aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty incorporating this equipment and services into its armed forces.”
Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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