Australia Secures US Missiles Amid Supply Concerns
Australia will arm all fighter jets with up to 450 AIM-260 missiles as it expands domestic weapons production to ease global shortages.
- On August 6, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced Australia will purchase up to 450 Lockheed Martin AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles for A$736 million, making Australia the first export customer for the weapon.
- The A$736 million investment is significantly smaller than the US$3.16 billion package cleared by the United States Congress in March, which included additional test services. The Defence Minister's office provided no comment on the reduced scope.
- Analysts at the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies warned last week that the Iran conflict slashed US air-defence missile stocks, creating a "risk for US readiness to fight a war against China in the western Pacific."
- The Washington Post reported on August 6 that President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed over munitions shortages; the White House denied the report, with Trump insisting the United States maintains vast supplies.
- Australia successfully tested a domestic rocket motor with Thales on August 6, signaling a shift toward sovereign guided-weapons capability. The nation plans to spend up to A$36 billion over the next decade to establish domestic missile manufacturing.
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13 Articles
Australia will purchase $518 million worth of AIM-260 missiles from the United States to strengthen its air force. The missiles will be integrated into Super Hornet, Growler, and F-35 aircraft. This purchase comes amid ongoing discussions about dwindling US ammunition stockpiles.
Australia Secures $518 Million US Missile Deal
Australia has announced a $518 million deal to buy long-range missiles from the United States (US) for its fighter jets, in a smaller package than the multi-billion-dollar sale approved earlier this year. The agreement, which was announced on Thursday, will see Australia purchase up to 450 AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles made by Lockheed Martin for its air force. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the country would become t…
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