US Approves 80 SM-2 Missiles For $302 Million To Australia

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved sale of 80 SM-2 missiles for $302 million to Australia.

The contract includes vertical launch canisters for the SM-2 Block IIIB missiles, contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services.

"It is vital to US national interests that Australia develops and maintains a strong and ready self-defense capability," the agency said in its notification to Congress.

Australia plans to use the missiles for anti-air warfare test firings during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials for the Royal Australian Navy's three new Air Warfare Destroyers now under construction.

The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles, combined with the destroyers' Aegis combat systems, will provide enhanced area defense capabilities over critical Southeast Asian air and sea lines of communication.

The principal contractors would be Raytheon and BAE Systems.