The Australian government has announced a substantial investment of 2.12 billion Australian dollars (equivalent to $1.39 billion USD) to acquire advanced variants of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). This move is aimed at enhancing both aerial strike capabilities and air defense readiness across the Australian Defence Force.
The decision comes after the US State Department approved the sale of up to 200 units each of the AIM-120C and AIM-120D missile variants to Australia in April. The AIM-120D-3 variant will be integrated with frontline combat aircraft such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35A Lightning II, bolstering Australia’s air-to-air combat potential.
Meanwhile, the AIM-120C-8 variant will be deployed with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), which is being inducted by the newly formed 10th Brigade of the Australian Army. The NASAMS is expected to strengthen short-to-medium-range air defense coverage.
All missile acquisitions will be facilitated through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
