Australia seeks SM-2 Block IIIB
The US State Department is considering a possible $301 million foreign military sale (FMS) of SM-2 Block IIIB standard missiles and associated equipment and support to Australia, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 31 May.
Australia has requested up to 80 SM-2 Block IIIB standard missile, vertical launching tactical all-up rounds, RIM-66M-09; and up to 15 Mk 97 SM-2 Block IIIB guidance sections. The request also includes Vertical Launching System canisters, technical documentation and operator manuals, along with contractor engineering, logistics and technical support services.
Australia wants the equipment for anti-air warfare test firings during the qualification trials of the three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) currently being built for the Royal Australian Navy. The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles combined with the vessels' Aegis combat system will enhance the area defence capabilities of the AWDs over Southeast Asian air-and-sea communication lines.
Australia has already integrated SM-2 Block IIIA missiles on its Perry-class FFG frigates, and in-country maintenance facilities have been upgraded with new guided missile test equipment capable of maintaining the SM-2 All-Up Round.
If the sale goes ahead the principal contractors of the potential sale will be Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE Systems.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Tritium light source manufacturer absorbs ripple effects of Russia-Ukraine war]()
Tritium light source manufacturer absorbs ripple effects of Russia-Ukraine war
A Swiss manufacturer of self-powered illumination technology for weapon sights and other military applications notes a fall in market demand after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
-
![QinetiQ wins technical services tender for US Army DEVCOM]()
QinetiQ wins technical services tender for US Army DEVCOM
QinetiQ is to provide technical services to US Army DEVCOM for system development, fabrication, sensor and system integration, prototyping of multi-function sensor suites, and technology assessment efforts.
-
![Northrop Grumman looks to evolve AARGM-ER for Stand-in Attack Weapon edge]()
Northrop Grumman looks to evolve AARGM-ER for Stand-in Attack Weapon edge
Northrop Grumman has detailed why its Stand-in Attack Weapon missile concept stands out as an attractive offer for the US Air Force.
-
![Western reinforcement helping Ukraine protect itself, UK defence exports director says]()
Western reinforcement helping Ukraine protect itself, UK defence exports director says
Western equipment sent to Ukraine is helping reinforce Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion, the head of the UK's Defence and Security Exports agency told Shephard.
-
![US Army and Navy target improved comms and signal processing]()
US Army and Navy target improved comms and signal processing
Expedition Technology has received three small business innovation research awards from the US Army and US Navy’s Office of Naval Research to develop AI and machine learning technologies.
