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The US State Department has approved the possible sale of about $183.7 million on anti-radiation missiles to Australia for its Growler aircraft fleet.
The sale, which Congress was notified about via a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, would include up to 70 high speed anti-radiation missiles, 40 advanced anti-radiation guided missiles and training missiles, as well as other support equipment.
"Australia is requesting these missiles for its Electronic Attack EA-18G Growler aircraft," the release said about the missiles, which are designed for attacking ground-based radar.
"Australia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence."
If the sale goes ahead, the US said it "will contribute to the foreign policy and national security" of the US, by "helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security and economic development in the western Pacific".
"Australia is an important major non-NATO ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world," the release said.
"It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability."
The potential $183.7 million order would be as follows:
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