Australia requests LRASM for F-18s
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs).
Announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on 7 February, the FMS is to include up to 200 AGM-158C LRASMs and related equipment for an estimated cost of $990 million.
Also included are 11 ATM-158C LRASM telemetry variant (inert), DATM-158C LRASM, captive air training missiles (CATM-158C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment.
Australia intends to use the missiles on its F-18 aircraft to provide enhanced capabilities in defence of critical sea-lanes.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
