Australia has signed a $518 million (A$736 million) agreement with the United States to acquire long-range air-to-air missiles for its fighter aircraft, becoming the first country outside the US to operate the new weapon system.
Announced on Thursday, the deal covers the purchase of up to 450 AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles (JATM), manufactured by Lockheed Martin, for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the missiles would be deployed across the country’s frontline fighter fleet, including the F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
“These missiles will be installed on all of our fighter planes… our Super Hornets, our Growlers and our F-35s, and they will be operating on those platforms soon,” Marles told reporters in Darwin during a multinational military exercise.
Australian authorities did not disclose when deliveries would begin.
The latest agreement follows the US Congress’ approval in March of a larger $3.16 billion arms package for Australia, which included the same 450 missiles alongside testing and support services.
The announcement comes as concerns grow in Washington over the impact of ongoing conflicts on US weapons stockpiles.
A recent report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that the war with Iran has reduced US inventories of key missile defence systems, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, raising concerns about America’s military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
The issue has also fuelled speculation about differences within the Trump administration over weapons supplies. Reports suggested President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth disagreed over the state of US stockpiles, although the White House has dismissed claims of any serious shortage.
Beyond the missile purchase, Australia said it plans to invest up to A$36 billion over the next decade to expand its domestic guided weapons industry in partnership with global defence manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin.
The government also announced it had successfully tested a locally produced rocket motor in collaboration with French defence company Thales as part of efforts to strengthen Australia’s missile manufacturing and supply chain.
