RAAF seeks $1.2 billion missiles from US

The RAAF's shopping list in the US continues to grow with an order for 450 missiles on top of almost 3000 precision-guided bombs.

A file image of a RAAF plane

A file image of a RAAF plane Source: AAP

Australia is continuing to bolster its military air power with the potential $US1.22 billion purchase of air-to-air missiles from the US.

The US State Department has approved the sale of up to 450 advanced medium-range, air-to-air AIM-120D missiles.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency announced on Monday it had notified US Congress, which although unlikely, can block or modify the sale.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner and major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Pacific region and globally," the DSCA said in a statement.

The missiles will be used by the Royal Australian Air Force's F/A-18, E/A-18G, and F-35 aircraft to provide "additional air-to-air intercept capability and increase interoperability with the US Air Force".

The DSCA announced earlier this month the impending $US386 million sale of up to 2950 GBU-39/B small diameter precision-guided glide bombs for RAAF's F-35s.

Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world