03 Juni 2011
RAAF's Hornet with AMRAAM and ASRAAM (photo : keypublishing)WASHINGTON – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Wednesday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of up to 110 AIM-120C-7 Advanced MediumRange Air-to-Air Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $202 million.
The Government of Australia requested a possible sale of up to 110 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, 10 AIM-120C-7 Air Vehicle-Instrumented, 16 AIM-120C-7 Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, weapon system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return, warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $202 million.
Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s Government policy places interoperability with US Forces as an important goal and objective for equipment acquisition. Accordingly, and in line with the overall procurement strategy, Australia seeks an acquisition FMS case which supports the procurement, integration and introduction into service of the AIM-120C-7 system for the F/A-18F Australian Super Hornet.
The proposed sale will allow the Australian Defense Force to complete Australia’s F/A-18 program under their Project AIR 5349. Phase I allowed acquisition of F/A-18 Block II aircraft and Phase II is for the acquisition of weapons. This proposed sale will provide standoff weapon capability required for Bridge Air Combat Capability for the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition, the upgrade is being viewed as an important step in maintaining interoperability with the U.S. Air Force. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this new capability into its military.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile System Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
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