Australia has taken a significant step towards bolstering its air defence inventory with modern and effective missiles. The United States Department of State has approved the sale of approximately $1.04 billion worth of AIM-120C and AIM-120D advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Australia through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The potential sale was notified to the US Congress by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 9 April 2025, with the necessary certifications.
Comprehensive Missile Supply and Support Package
The potential deal, estimated at $1.04 billion, includes a number of elements that will significantly enhance Australia’s air defence capabilities. The planned equipment and services to be procured are as follows:
- 400 AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles: Of these, 200 are the previous version, the AIM-120C-8, while the other 200 are the latest and superior-performance AIM-120D-3 model.
- Missile Containers and Support Equipment: The containers required for the safe transportation and storage of missiles and other support equipment needed during operational processes are also included in the package.
- Training and Documentation: Comprehensive training programs and technical documentation will be provided to ensure Australian personnel have the necessary knowledge and skills in the operation and maintenance of the missiles.
- Test Equipment: Necessary test equipment will also be supplied to regularly check the functionality and performance of the missiles.
- US Government and Contractor Support: The agreement includes engineering, technical and logistics support services from the U.S. government and relevant contractors, which are critical to the smooth integration and long-term use of the missiles.
- Logistics and Program Support: The logistics and program support elements required for the effective execution of the procurement process and subsequent operational activities are also part of the agreement.
Following this approved sale, Australia is expected to sign the official contract with RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon), the manufacturer of the missile systems.
US Emphasizes Strategic Partnership
In a press release issued by DSCA officials, it was emphasized that this potential sale is in line with the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. It was stated that Australia is one of the most important allies in the Western Pacific, and the contribution of the country's strategic location to peace and economic stability in the region was emphasized. The statement also included the following statements: "Helping our ally develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability is vital to the national interests of the United States," emphasizing the strategic importance of the sale. This sale is considered an indicator of the strong defense cooperation between the two countries.
