US Government approves Tomahawk WSSSU sale to Australia

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of General Tomahawk Weapons System Support Services Uplift and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$250 million ($373 million). The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy services to support the Tomahawk Weapon System, including general weapons support services; logistics support management; material support; engineering technical support; management of technical data; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” says the announcement. “Australia is one of our most important allies. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The proposed sale will allow Australia to better utilize the Tomahawk Weapon System it is procuring and ensure appropriate weapon pairing is evaluated to identify defined targets more precisely. It will also assist and contribute to Australia’s joint maritime weapon technology development, analysis, and implementation; support multiple lines of effort to enhance interoperability and interchangeability with the United States; and uplift joint warfighting operational effects.

The principal contractor(s) will be determined as the Government of Australia identifies its specific annual and quarterly requirements for weapons uplift support. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.