Australia has signified its intent to purchase hundreds of FGM-148F Javelin missiles from the US to boost its anti-tank capabilities.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Canberra requested 350 missiles from RTX and Lockheed Martin for an estimated cost of $100 million.
The request also includes technical assistance and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The planned purchase was recently approved by the US State Department but will still need a Congressional greenlight.
If the sale goes through, the DSCA said the weapons will help improve Australia’s ability to meet current and future threats by increasing its anti-armor capability.
“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the agency wrote.
Infrared Guided Missile
The FGM-148F Javelin is a medium-range missile that can engage tanks with conventional and reactive armor.
It boasts “fire-and-forget” technology, allowing operators to quickly take cover and avoid enemy counter-fire.
Additionally, the weapon has an advanced tandem warhead and a sophisticated imaging infrared seeker for a more accurate strike.
The Javelin has been combat-proven in Afghanistan and Iraq, with more than 20 countries operating the anti-tank system.
