Australia is acquiring more Northrop Grumman AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missiles worth up to A$$650 million via the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced on 30 January.
“This is to increase the warstock of the Australian Defence Force and its ability to deter Australia’s potential adversaries to keep Australians safe,” the DoD stated, adding that the missiles will equip the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)’s Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft and subsequently its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
“These world class missiles will improve the range, survivability and effectiveness of our Air Force to find and destroy enemy radars,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy.
“This acquisition is a testament to Australia’s strong, long-standing Alliance with the United States,” added Conroy.
The latest announcement follows an A$431 million request for up to 100 AARGM-ER missiles earlier raised by the Australian government in August 2023.
The earlier request including purchase of AARGM-ER missiles featuring GPS precise positioning system (PPS) provided by Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code receivers for enhanced resistance to jamming and enable spoofing.
“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,” the DSCA earlier said.
Under the auspices of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), the DoD is consolidating the guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) requirements throughout the Australian Defence Force and expand its long-range strike capabilities by acquiring and building land-based and airborne missile systems.
The Australian government has also committed to an investment of A$4.1 billion for the GWEO effort.
by Jr Ng
