Article Posted on : - Jun 07, 2011

AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM.

WASHINGTON (BNS): Australian government has ordered up to 110 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles from US Defense Security Cooperation Agency under the FMS programme, the agency announced Monday.

Under the $202 million contract, the missile will get additional 10 AIM-120C-7 Air Vehicle-Instrumented, 16 AIM-120C-7 Captive Air Training Missiles, weapon system support equipment, support and test equipment and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The proposed sale will allow the Australian Defence Force to complete Australia’s F/A-18 programme under their Project AIR 5349. Phase I allowed acquisition of F/A-18 Block II aircraft and Phase II is for the acquisition of weapons.

The contract will also provide standoff weapon capability required for Bridge Air Combat Capability for the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition, the upgrade is being viewed as an important step in maintaining interoperability with the US Air Force.