US clears export of AARGM to Australia

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $405 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale. The Australian Department of Defence announced plans to acquire AARGM-ER late last year.

Australia has requested up to 100 AGM-88Gs with global positioning system (GPS) precise positioning system (PPS) provided by Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code, along with other AARGM-ER spares.

The proposed sale will improve the Government of Australia’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing the capability to suppress and destroy land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defences, thereby improving survivability of tactical aircraft, says the US State Department.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, it adds.

The principal contractor will be the AGM-88G prime contractor, Northrop Grumman Systems, located in Falls Church, Virginia.