Australia to buy AIM‑260 air‑to‑air missiles for $475 million
Canberra will be the first country beyond the United States to field the AIM‑260; missiles to be bought via the U.S. FMS process.
Australia will spend about $475 million to acquire the next‑generation AIM‑260 air‑to‑air missile, becoming the first country outside the United States to field the weapon, the defence minister announced.
The purchase was revealed by Defence Minister Richard Marles during the multinational air exercise Pitch Black in Darwin. "This is another important step in developing our capabilities to operate at long ranges and to deter potential adversaries," Marles said.
How the missiles will be delivered and used
The missile is being developed by Lockheed Martin and will be procured through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism. Canberra framed the acquisition as part of an effort to modernise its air combat inventory and strengthen ties with allied forces.
In the initial phase, the AIM‑260 will be integrated onto Royal Australian Air Force F/A‑18F Super Hornet fighters. Officials said follow‑on integration work will extend to F‑35A Lightning II aircraft and EA‑18G Growler electronic‑attack jets.
Australian authorities said the buy will reinforce the country’s layered air and missile defence, extend the range at which its aircraft can operate, and improve interoperability with U.S. forces.
Separately, Canberra has ruled out sending combat forces into any conflict in Iran, officials added.
Photo: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
