The US State Department has approved the sale of AIM-120C-7 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment to Australia.
Congress has been notified of the potential military sale by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
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Under the estimated $240.5m sale, the Australian Government has requested 108 AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM, six AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM air vehicles instrumented and six related spare guidance sections.
The sale will also cover equipment such as containers, support and test equipment, transportation, warranties, technical data, spare and repair parts, training, equipment, US Government contractor representative engineering, as well as technical and maintenance support services.
In a statement, DSCA said: “It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.”
The procurement is in support of the Australian Defence Force Project LAND 19 Phase 7B, which will replace the Australian Army’s existing short-range air defence (SHORAD) capability, including the RBS-70.
The project involves the purchase of capabilities such as radars, missile launchers and command and control systems, as well as integration with existing army vehicles and radios.
AMRAAMs are designed in support of national advanced surface to air missile system (NASAMS).
The combat-proven AMRAMM offers operational flexibility in different scenarios, including air-to-air and surface launch programmes. It is the baseline weapon for NASAMS in surface launch role.
Co-developed by Raytheon in partnership with Kongsberg, NASAMS is a modernised weapon system that aids the army in rapidly detecting, engaging and destroying aircraft, missile threats and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Raytheon Missile Systems will serve as the prime contractor with regards to the sale.
