Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
RAAF fighter jets, such as F-35As, carry AIM-120 missiles but they are also fired from the country’s National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, as shown here in a 2023 test. (Photo: Australian Department of Defence)
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
The US State Department has approved the sale of up to 200 AIM-120C and up to 200 AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment to Australia under a deal worth up to US$1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress of the approval last week.
As well as the Raytheon missiles, the deal includes AMRAAM containers and support equipment, spare parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support, weapons system support and software and classified software delivery and support.
The deal also includes classified publications and technical documentation, transportation support, studies and surveys, US
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![US military plans multi-UAV trials with Northrop Grumman quantum-navigated Lumberjack]()
US military plans multi-UAV trials with Northrop Grumman quantum-navigated Lumberjack
An undisclosed US military branch is preparing to evaluate multiple Lumberjack Group 3 drones equipped with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic-navigation system. Shephard spoke with Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ to find out more.
-
![Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success]()
Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success
From billion-dollar industrial partnerships in the Middle East to rapid military off-the-shelf deliveries in Africa, Baykar has tailored the Akinci to the needs of very different customers. Defence Insight data shows how flexibility, price and Turkish supply-chain independence have helped drive exports.
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
