Australia is looking to spend $450 million for Aegis Combat System components as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.
Australia is seeking the sale of the Aegis Combat System and select combat system and communication components consisting of three AN/SPQ-9B Horizon Search Radars, three Cooperative Engagement Capability Systems, three Naval Fire Control Systems, three Multi-Functional Information Distribution Systems, AN/SLQ-25A Nixie Countermeasure Suite, MK160 Gun Computer System, AIMS MK XII Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) for the Air Warfare Destroyer platform, communication and information distribution systems, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, personnel training and training equipment, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, and other related elements of logistics support, DSCA said.
The prime contractors for the sale are Lockheed Martin [LMT], Northrop Grumman [NOC] and Raytheon [RTN].
The proposed sale of the Aegis Combat System and components to Australia will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a coalition partner with significantly improved Air Warfare capability. This will improve the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to participate in coalition operations, will enhance the lethality of its Air Warfare Destroyer platform, and will provide common logistical support with the U.S. Navy. The Royal Australian Navy can easily integrate the capabilities of the Aegis Weapons Systems into its concept of operations. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces, according to DSCA.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of three contractor representatives in Australia for approximately three months during the preparation, equipment installations, and equipment test and checkout of Cooperative Engagement Capability systems and the AN/SPQ-9B radar, DSCA said.