US approves AGM-88E2 missile sale to Australia
RAAF EA-18G Growlers are the intended platform for Australia's AARGM missiles. (Photo: RAAF)
The US State Department has cleared a new AARGM anti-radiation missile sale for Australia.
The US State Department has approved the sale of Northrop Grumman AGM-88E2 AARGM E2 missiles to Australia in a package worth $94 million.
In a 21 June notice, the full breakdown of the sale was published, mainly covering 15 AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) guidance sections; up to 15 AARGM control sections; up to 15 High Speed Anti Radiation Missiles (HARM) rocket motors; up to 15 HARM warheads and up to 15 HARM control sections.
The missiles are expected to be integrated on EA-18G Growler fighter jets.
‘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 defences,’ added the State Department.
‘Destruction or suppression of enemy radar denies the adversary the use of air defence systems, thereby improving the survivability of its tactical aircraft.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
-
![Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny]()
Global tensions drive defence supply chain scrutiny
Governments worldwide are scrambling to decouple defence supply chains from dependency upon strategic rivals, but countries could struggle to do it all themselves.
-
![How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces]()
How deepening AI usage can boost efficiency and maximise effects for forces
Saab has outlined how it is using artificial intelligence to make training more like electronic gaming, while the UK’s Power Size Technologies is applying the same technology to better evaluate and design vehicle capability, moving AI-enabled innovation further upstream from the frontline.
-
![From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)]()
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
