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US Approves AIM-120 missiles Sale to Australia to Strengthen Interception Capability.
On April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of State approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia involving a significant batch of AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missiles, estimated at $1.04 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted the notification to Congress, following U.S. regulations governing the export of strategic defense equipment to allied countries. The proposed sale, which includes two advanced variants of the AMRAAM missile, highlights the increasing importance of bilateral air defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a medium-range tactical air-to-air missile equipped with active radar guidance and capable of being employed in surface-to-air configurations (Picture source: US DoD)
Specifically, Australia has formally requested up to 200 AIM-120C-8 and up to 200 AIM-120D-3 missiles, both part of the AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) family developed by U.S. defense contractor RTX Corporation. In addition to the missiles, the package includes non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items such as AMRAAM containers, support equipment, spare parts, consumables, accessories, maintenance and return support, classified software and associated documentation, technical publications, transportation support, studies and surveys, as well as engineering, technical, and logistics assistance from U.S. government and industry personnel.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a medium-range tactical air-to-air missile equipped with active radar guidance and capable of being employed in surface-to-air configurations. Originally developed by Hughes in the 1980s and later produced by Raytheon Technologies, the missile was designed to replace the AIM-7 Sparrow and integrate with a wide array of modern combat aircraft. It is 3.65 meters long, weighs between 150 and 160 kilograms depending on the variant, and reaches supersonic speeds nearing Mach 4 using a solid-fuel rocket motor. Its guidance system combines mid-course inertial navigation with terminal active radar homing, enabling a "fire-and-forget" capability that allows the launch platform to disengage after firing. The AIM-120 is compatible with platforms such as the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen, and ground-based systems like NASAMS (in the AMRAAM-ER variant).
Deployed by more than 35 countries, the AIM-120 is a core component of Western air defense systems. It is designed to intercept aircraft, bombers, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats at distances ranging from approximately 30 km to over 160 km, depending on the version. The missile is equipped with a 20 kg fragmentation warhead triggered by a proximity fuse combined with an impact fuse. It has seen operational use in multiple conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Syrian civil war, and more recently, in Ukraine. RTX (formerly Raytheon) remains the current manufacturer and, since March 2025, has engaged in an industrial co-production agreement with Japan for this missile system.
The U.S. administration justifies the proposed sale based on strategic regional requirements. Australia is described as one of the United States’ most important allies in the Western Pacific, both politically and economically. Its geographic location is considered essential to maintaining regional security and economic stability. By supporting the enhancement of Australia’s air defense capabilities, the sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives and ensures that Australia remains equipped to counter current and future threats, particularly by improving the survivability of its combat aircraft. It is further noted that the integration of these systems will not pose any operational or logistical challenges for the Australian military.
According to available information, the primary contractor for this potential sale is RTX Corporation, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. No offset agreements have been proposed at this stage of the process. Should such arrangements be negotiated, they would fall under direct discussions between the Australian government and the contractor.
Implementation of this sale is not expected to require the deployment of additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to Australia. The transaction is also not anticipated to negatively impact the operational readiness of U.S. forces. The $1.04 billion estimate reflects the upper limit based on initial requirements. The final cost may be lower depending on finalized needs, available budgetary authority, and any signed agreements. The unit cost of an AMRAAM missile is approximately $1 million.
Australia’s planned acquisition of 400 AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D-3 missiles represents a strategic step in strengthening its air defense posture. These missiles will be integrated into the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35A Lightning II fleets, as well as into the NASAMS surface-to-air missile system operated by the Australian Army. Capable of accurately engaging medium- to long-range threats, the AMRAAM will enhance Australia's ability to secure its airspace and ensure interoperability with allied forces, particularly the United States.
This procurement occurs in a broader geopolitical context marked by rising military activity in the Indo-Pacific, increasing tensions over Taiwan, and expanding naval and aerial operations in contested zones. Australia is seeking to reinforce its strategic position in the region and improve its deterrence posture in response to emerging challenges. The close partnership with the United States, particularly through the AUKUS alliance, and ongoing investments in strike, detection, and air defense systems, reflect a deliberate policy to maintain a modern, combat-ready military force prepared for high-intensity scenarios.