The US State Department has approved the sale of up to 100 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Australia requested the missiles and related equipment for an estimated $405 million.
It is expected to be initially integrated with the Royal Australian Air Force’s EA-18G Growlers, according to Australian Defence Magazine.
The potential sale includes up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER guidance sections and up to 24 AGM-88G AARGM-ER control sections.
“The proposed sale will improve the Government of Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the capability to suppress and destroy land or sea-based radar emitters associated with enemy air defenses, thereby improving survivability of tactical aircraft,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announcement said.
Northrop Grumman is the sale’s principal contractor and there is no offset agreement.
The AARGM-ER
The air-launched, supersonic missile is an upgrade over the AARGM, featuring roughly twice the range and speed at 300 kilometers (186 miles) and up to Mach 4.
The anti-radiation missile is designed to home in on electronic transmissions emitted by surface-to-air radar systems.
The missile was expected to achieve initial operational capability with the US Navy this year. However, a formal announcement has not yet been made.
It is being integrated with the US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler as well as the US Air Force F-35A, US Marine Corps F-35B, and US Navy/Marine Corps F-35C.
