The US Department of State has approved a possible sale of AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGMs) to Australia for an estimated cost of $94 million.
In its 21 June notification to the US Congress of the possible sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said that the deal covers up to 15 AARGM control sections and missile guidance sections, up to 15 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) rocket motors, up to 15 HARM warheads, and up to 15 HARM control sections.
Also included are AGM-88E2 All Up Round (AUR) tactical missiles, AGM-88E2 Captive Air Training Missile (CATM), HARM G-Code AUR, HARM G-Code CATM, M-Code Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, containers, and support and test equipment.
Another component of the potential sale also comprises EA-18G Growler test support, spares and repair parts, and classified and unclassified software.
The potential acquisition of the AGM-88E2s is intended to complete the combat capabilities of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) EA-18G Growler fleet.
The AGM-88E AARGM incorporates a new guidance section and modified control section combined with Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings and fins of HARM. The missile uses a multi-mode seeker to counter enemy shut-down capability.
The fire and forget capability of the missile allows weapon engagement at sufficient stand-off ranges. The Weapon Impact Assessment (WIA) subsystem supports battle damage assessment decisions by transferring impact assessment data prior to an impact.
The AGM-88E AARGM is equipped with an advanced multi-sensor system comprising a Millimetre Wave (MMW) terminal seeker, advanced Anti-Radiation Homing (ARH) receiver and Global Positioning System / Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS). The system can quickly engage traditional and advanced enemy air defence targets, as well as non-radar time-sensitive strike targets.
The missile receives tactical intelligence information through an embedded Integrated Broadcast System Receiver (IBS-R). The missile transfers real-time weapon impact assessment reports.
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