The deal, valued at up to USD 1.04 billion, includes an undisclosed number of AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 missile variants. According to documentation from the U.S. Department of State, Australia had expressed interest in acquiring 200 units of each version.
The AIM-120C-8 variant is designated for integration with the NASAMS systems currently being implemented within the structure of the Australian Defence Force’s 10th Brigade. Meanwhile, the AIM-120D-3 missiles will arm the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter aircraft.
Additionally, the D-3 version will be carried by Boeing E/A-18G Growler aircraft, used for air defence suppression missions. The AIM-120 AMRAAM, developed by RTX, has been integrated with 14 aerial and ground-based platforms, including NASAMS.
The missile system has seen repeated operational use, currently including deployments in Ukraine and the Middle East, and is recognised for its high effectiveness. Since 2024, RTX has been producing fifth-generation AMRAAM variants featuring over fifteen internal system upgrades under the F3R (Form, Fit, Function Refresh) programme.
RTX has increased its production rate in response to global demand and a rising number of contracts. For 2025, the company plans to double its output compared to the previous year, with further annual increases of approximately 50 per cent expected in subsequent years.
