Australia has committed to acquiring up to $2.12 billion in additional stocks of advanced medium-range missiles, improving the Australian Defence Force’s aerial strike and defense capabilities as laid out in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s 2024 National Defence Strategy. The purchase will be made through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales program.
The Ministry of Defence disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the defense investment will cover RTX’s AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 ammunition, which can hit any target, even at a distant range.
AIM-120D-3 packs the latest technologies for an AMRAAM missile, including 15 upgraded circuit cards and the latest System Improvement Program-3F software, according to an RTX press release announcing the completion of a configuration audit.
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The latest commitment from the Albanese government follows a $650 million order for additional Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range missiles made in January. This order aligns with an effort to ensure increased lethality for the ADF.
“The ADF’s credible strike and long-range capabilities support our strategy of denial, which aims to deter any conflict before it begins,” said Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy. “These additional missiles will help to ensure the ADF’s ability to protect Australians against aerial threats.”