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The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of AIM-120C and AIM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 9 April 2025.

The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 1.04 billion (EUR 0.92 billion), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.

Australia has requested to buy up to 200 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and up to 200 AIM-120D-3 AMRAAMs. The package also includes items such as spares and software as well as various aspects of engineering, technical, logistical and programme support.

The Royal Australian Air Force, which operates a mixed fighter force consisting of F/A-18F Super Hornets and F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, is already a user of the AIM-120B/C-5/C-7 AMRAAM.
Noting that Australia “is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific” and “contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability” in the region, the DSCA stated that the proposed sale “will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by protecting and increasing aircraft survivability”.

The principal contractor for the will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Tucson, Arizona.

A munitions load truck containing AIM-120 AMRAAMs (below) and AIM-9 Sidewinders pictured at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on 15 July 2018. The US State Department has approved an FMS to Australia covering up to 400 AMRAAMs. [USAF]

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