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Australia is expected to acquire 54 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) munitions under a US$91.2 million US foreign military sale.
The potential sales, approved by the US State Government, was notified to US Congress by a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement on March 10 this year.
The sale to the Government of Australia also includes telemetry kits, engineering services, technical assistance, related logistics and program 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,” according to the DSCA 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 enhance Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its capability to deter adversaries.
“The proposed sale will support its goal of improving national and territorial defence, interoperability with US forces, and working to uplift industry as a new source of supply.
“Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Australia. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The potential sale will have Lockheed Martin and Lockheed Martin Australia as principal contractors.
The GMLRS-AW rockets can be fired from tracked M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System or the wheeled High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The rockets carry a 200-pound GMLRS-AW high-explosive warhead.
