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The federal government has announced it is investing up to $2.12 billion in additional stocks of advanced medium-range missiles to strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s air defence and aerial strike capability.
AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 missiles can precisely strike targets at extended range, providing a significant deterrence to potential adversaries and enhancing the ADF’s strike capability, which is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
The federal government is acquiring the missiles through the United States government’s Foreign Military Sales Program.
“This is a major investment in the security of our nation and underscores the Albanese government’s commitment to providing the ADF with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“The ADF’s credible strike and long-range capabilities support our strategy of denial, which aims to deter any conflict before it begins.
“These additional missiles will help to ensure the ADF’s ability to protect Australians against aerial threats.”
The AIM-120D-3 variant is a supersonic air-launched tactical missile, used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. It is designed to counter threats at extended ranges.
The AIM-120C-8 variant is launched using the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System and is being brought into service by the Army’s new 10th Brigade and will significantly boost ground-to-air capability against aerial targets.
