The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ERs).

This was announced on the website of the Defense Security of the Cooperation Agency.

Previously, the Government of Australia has requested to buy up to sixty-three (63) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ERs); and up to twenty (20) AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs).

The possible Foreign Military Sale also includes AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range Dummy Air Training Missiles (AARGM-ER DATMs), containers, component parts and support equipment.

This list also includes: software, personnel training, transportation, spare parts for repairs, technical support, and other related items.

The total cost is estimated at $506 million. It is noted that the new AARGM-ER missiles will enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defense Force to meet current and future threats.

This long-range missile weapon is designed to suppress and destroy sea or land-based radar stations associated with enemy air defenses.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the statement emphasized.

The new American AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range) missile is a deep upgrade of the AARGM (AGM-88E). The AARGM-ER is designed to defeat elements of enemy air defense, such as missile air defense systems, anti-satellite systems, and ground and maritime radar stations.

AARGM-ER is installed on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, as well as F-35 Lightning II Navy`s aircraft. The US Navy will also test the ground version of the new anti-radiation missile.

The AGM-88G guidance system includes an inertial system, a GPS navigation system, and the WGU-48/B radar homing head with an active millimeter Ka-band sensor (frequency from 26.5 to 35 GHz).

AARGM-ER is equipped with the WAU-7/B high explosive warhead, which has already been used on previous models of the missile. The weight of the warhead is 70 kg. The warhead contains 12,845 striking elements made of tungsten, and an upgraded explosive charge, which provides a greater striking capacity. The warhead is capable of penetrating a 12.7 mm thick metal sheet or 6.35 mm thick armored plate from a distance of up to 6 meters. Last fall, the missile showcased its ability to detect, identify and engage naval targets at long range.