The US has greenlit an arms sale to Australia.
The deal, valued at $100m A$148m), will supply 350 Javelin missiles, reflecting deepening defence ties between the two allies.
The US State Department has approved the deal, announced on August 19, 2024, covering the provision of 350 FGM-148F Javelin missiles, including four fly-to-buy units, technical support and logistics.
This move highlights Australia’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities as it faces evolving regional security challenges. The Javelin missile system, known for its anti-armour capabilities, will reinforce the Australian Army's ability to address current and future threats.
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system, developed by a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, has become an asset in global military procurement. In recent years, several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Kosovo, Lithuania, Romania, the UK, and Ukraine, have secured deals to acquire the Javelin missiles, each citing the need to enhance their anti-armour capabilities against current and future threats.
These acquisitions, approved by the US State Department and facilitated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, show the weapon’s value across geopolitical contexts, from countering insurgency in Ukraine to bolstering Nato allies and regional partners in Europe, South America, and the Pacific.
Australia’s position in the Western Pacific makes it an ally for the US, contributing to stability and peace in the region. By strengthening its military resources, Australia aims to navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics better and ensure its preparedness against potential threats.
The Javelin Joint Venture, comprising RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin, will manage the delivery and support of the missile systems.
The approval of this deal comes as part of a broader US strategy to reinforce alliances and support partners in maintaining security and stability across the Pacific region.
