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Australia will acquire 100 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range under a possible US$405 million foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
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The US Congress was notified of the possible sale of missiles and equipment by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 27 September.
Under the possible deal, the Australian government has requested to buy up to 100 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) with global positioning system precise positioning system provided by Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code.
It also includes 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares) and up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections (spares), as well as containers, component parts and support equipment, classified and unclassified publications, transportation, US government and contractor engineering support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the DSCA said in a statement.
“The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.
“The proposed sale will improve the government of Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the capability to suppress and destroy land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defences, thereby improving survivability of tactical aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Northrop Grumman Systems will be the principal contractor and the implementation of the proposed sale will require approximately four US government and one contractor representative to travel to Australia on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews.
