The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the possible sale of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to Australia. The proposed deal, which has received Department of State approval, calls for the delivery of up to 22 HIMARS and related equipment for an estimated cost of $975 million. Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Leonardo DRS and Oshkosh are the principal contractors of the deal.
Australia is a top American ally in the Pacific, a political and economic power that contributes to stability and security in the region, making the planned sale integral to boosting U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, DSCA said in a statement.
In a separate report from Reuters, Australia finalized on Monday an $833 million agreement to purchase more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States. The report quoted Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles as saying that the missile deal will make Australia one of just three countries armed with Tomahawks alongside its AUKUS partners.