The United States government has authorized the potential sale of 400 new long-range air-to-air AMRAAM missiles to equip the Royal Australian Air Force’s fighter aircraft. This information comes from the latest notification submitted by the U.S. State Department to Congress for approval of the transaction through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
According to the notification dated April 9, released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Australian government requested to purchase up to a total of 400 new BVR AMRAAM missiles from the United States, including two hundred (200) AIM-120C-8 variants and two hundred (200) AIM-120D-3 variants.
The package, for which RTX Corporation is the principal contractor, is estimated to be worth $1.04 billion. It also includes containers, support equipment, spare parts, consumables, accessories, support services, technical documentation, and other elements.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. 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 vital to U.S. national interests to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the State Department stated.
It added: “The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s ability to meet current and future threats by safeguarding and increasing the survivability of its aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.”
It is also worth noting that the missiles authorized for sale to Australia are among the most advanced versions of the AMRAAM family. The AIM-120D-3, in particular, stands out as the newest and most advanced variant of the missile, currently employed only by U.S. Air Force combat aircraft and select allied nations. It features improvements in range, navigation and guidance systems, as well as enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures compared to the AIM-120C-8.
Finally, it should be noted that the acquisition requested by the Australian government aims to ensure adequate stockpiles to equip its main fighter aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35A, as well as its EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.
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