According to the Australian Government’s statement, Canberra plans to allocate AUD 431 million for this procurement.
The AARGM-ER missiles will be integrated with the Royal Australian Air Force’s Growler and Super Hornet jets. In the future, the Australian F-35A Lightning II fighter will also be adapted to carry this weapon system.
As reported by Defence Industry Europe, in March of this year, the United States Department of State approved the sale of up to 630 AARGM-ER missiles and up to 20 AARGM-ER Captive Training Missiles for up to USD 506 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by suppressing and destroying land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses. This capability denies the adversary the use of its air defense systems, thereby improving the survivability of Australia’s tactical aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” DSCA said in a statement in March.
