Australia has issued a $650 million order for additional Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range missiles to improve its air force’s capability to detect, attack and destroy foreign adversarial systems.
The procurement, falling under the United States’ Foreign Military Sales program, enables the Royal Australian Air Force to improve the capabilities of several aircraft, including the FA-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft and the upcoming F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
The latest AARGM-ER missile acquisition follows a commitment from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to acquire AARGM-ER missiles from the United States. The initial $405 million contract, announced in August, has since received approval from the U.S. Department of State and will see Northrop Grumman as the principal contractor.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted how the deal continues the long history of collaboration between his country and the U.S. .
“This is the Albanese government delivering the capabilities needed for the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
Australia is also investing in its naval force’s capabilities. In October, the Albanese government disclosed plans to acquire Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC and Standard Missile 6 missiles for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and Hunter-class frigates. Pat Conroy, Australian minister for defense industry and capability delivery, said the deal prepares the nation amid growing political instability in the Indo-Pacific.