The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $165 million sale of countermeasures, chaff and impulse cartridges to Australia.
The Albanese government’s request includes various types of decoy flares, RR-198A/L chaff cartridges, CCU-145/A impulse cartridges, support equipment, technical assistance and logistical support. The principal contractors for the sale are Kilgore Flares, Armtec Countermeasures, Alloy Surface Company and CCI Capco.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale aims to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing Australia’s defense capabilities, a key factor for peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific region. The agency added that the proposed sale will improve Canberra’s aircraft survivability, enhancing its ability to defend against current and future threats.
The proposed sale follows several other recently approved U.S. defense sales to Australia. Earlier this month, Washington approved a potential $91.2 million sale of Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead rounds and related equipment. Last year, Australia also received approval for a $405 million purchase of AGM-88G long-range anti-radiation missiles from Northrop Grumman and a $300 million package for AH-64E Apache helicopter sustainment and support services.