Australia gets US approval for sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles, AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles

  

An AGM-88G AARGM-ER missile fired from a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet. Photo c/o Naval Air Systems Command.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the possible sale of 255 FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missile systems to the Government of Australia.

The package, estimated to be worth US$60.18 million, will also include 5 fly-to-buy missiles, technical assistance form the Tactical Air Ground Missile (TAGM) Project Office, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The Javelin missiles are meant to provide the Australian Army with improved anti-armor capability against current and future threats.

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles and Defense, which forms the Javelin Joint Venture, are expected to be the prime contractors of the project, should Australia proceeds with its implementation.

In addition, the US State Department also approved the possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) to the Government of Australia.

The package is expected to be worth around US$506 million and includes 63 AARGM-ER missiles, 20 AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs). Also included are AGM-88G AARGM-ER Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, component parts and support equipment, Repair of Repairables, Classified and Unclassified software, classified and unclassified training and publications, transportation, US Government and Contractor engineering support, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The sale of AARGM-ER missiles would improve the Royal Australian Air Force’s ability to suppress and destroy land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses, and improve the survivability of Australian tactical aircraft.

Northrop Grumman Information Systems is expected to be the prime contractor for this project, should Australia proceed with its implementation.




[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency
[2] Defense Security Cooperation Agency