The State Department approved a possible $1.22 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request to Australia for AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and associated equipment, training, and support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on April 21.
Major defense equipment (MDE) in the sale includes up to 450 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AIM-120D), up to 34 AIM-120D Air Vehicles Instrumented (AAVI); up to 6 Instrumented Test Vehicles (ITVs), and up to 10 spare AIM-120 Guidance Sections (GSs). The MDE value is estimated at $1.08 billion of the total sale.
Non-MDE equipment includes containers, weapon system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment. It also includes U.S. government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The prime contractor for production is Raytheon [RTN], although the principal contractor for integration is unknown and will be determined during contract negotiations.
Australia would use the missiles and equipment to provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) additional air-to-air intercept capability and increase interoperability with the U.S. Air Force. The missiles and equipment would specifically by used in support of the RAAF’s F/A-18, E/A-18G, and F-35 aircraft, DSCA said.
Implementation of the FMS would not require additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to be assigned to Australia.