US Approves $94M Anti-Radiation Missile Sale to Australia
The US State Department has approved the possible sale of AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM) to Australia.
The Australian government requested to buy up to 15 AGM-88E2 missiles at an estimated cost of $94 million (134.8 million Australian dollar).
The possible deal would include “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 Australian government also requested “EA-18G Growler test support, software (classified and unclassified), spare and repair parts, the US government and contractor engineering support and related elements of logistical and programme support.”
To Increase Australian Fighters’ Survivability
The AGM-88E is an upgrade on the AGM-88B/C High-Speed Anti Radiation Missile against “fixed and relocatable radar and communication sites, particularly those that shut down in order to counter anti-radiation missiles.” The US Navy inducted the missile in 2017.
The missile will help the Australian military suppress and destroy “land- or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses,” increasing fighters’ survivability on tactical missions.
Northrop Grumman Information Systems, Ridgecrest, California, is the deal’s principal contractor.
