Australian Air Force to get more Northrop Grumman anti-radiation missiles.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on June 21 that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of AGM-88E2 AARGM E2 missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $94 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

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 Royal Australian Air Force EA-18 Growler electronic warfare aircraft armed with two AARGM missiles (Picture source: RAAF)

The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to fifteen (15) AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) Guidance Sections; up to fifteen (15) AARGM Control Sections; up to fifteen (15) High-Speed Anti Radiation Missiles (HARM) Rocket Motors; up to fifteen (15) HARM Warheads; and up to fifteen (15) HARM Control Sections. Also included are AGM-88E2 AARGM All Up Round (AUR) tactical missiles; AGM-88E2 AARGM Captive Air Training Missile (CATM); HARM G-Code AUR; HARM G-Code CATM; M-Code GPS receivers; containers; support and test equipment; EA-18G Growler test support; spare and repair parts; software (Classified and Unclassified); U.S. Government and contractor engineering support; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total value is $94 million.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by suppressing and destroying land- or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses. Destruction or suppression of enemy radar denies the adversary the use of air defense systems, thereby improving the survivability of its tactical aircraft.

The principal contractors will be Northrop Grumman Information Systems (NGIS), Ridgecrest, CA. Implementation of the proposed sale will require U.S. Government and contractor representatives to visit Australia on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews.