Australia wins approval from US for 100 AGM-88G missiles
Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II can carry AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles internally. (Photo: Australian DoD)
All Australia’s fixed-wing fighter aircraft can carry the missiles and work has been underway to investigate the use of the missile from P-8A MPAs which are also operated by Australia.
Australia is set to buy up to 100 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) under a US$405 million request from the country which has been approved by the US State Department.
The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract also includes up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections (spares) and up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections (spares), as well as missile containers, component parts, support actions and training.
The approval described Australia as one of the US’s “most important allies in the Western Pacific and the sale will significantly ensure peace and economic stability in the [region] and is vital to the US national interest in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability”.
In February last year, the US State Department approved a potential FMS worth US$506 million covering up to 63 AARGM-ER missiles, 20 training rounds and associated equipment for Australia.
The missile can be operated from a range of aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) such as the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G and the F-35A, also operated by the RAAF, can carry it internally.
Direct and Time-Sensitive Strike (PMA-242) of the US Navy has also been exploring integration of the AARGM-ER onto P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft which is also operated by Australia.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
