Australia is seeking to spend $700 million for the Aegis combat system and associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.
Australia has requested a possible sale of the Aegis Combat System and select combat system and communication components consisting of one MK 41 Vertical Launch System, one AN/SPQ-9B Horizon Search Radar, one Cooperative Engagement Capability System, one Naval Fire Control System, 1 Multi-Functional Information Distribution System, AN/SLQ-25A Nixie Countermeasure Suite, MK160 Gun Computer System with MK 20 Electro-Optical Sight, AIMS MK XII Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) for the Air Warfare Destroyer platform, communication and information distribution systems, U.S. government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, personnel training and training equipment, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, and other related elements of logistics support, DSCA said.
The prime contractors for this sale are Lockheed Martin [LMT], Northrop Grumman [NOC] and Raytheon [RTN].
The proposed sale of the Aegis combat system and components to Australia will contribute to U.S. security objectives by providing a coalition partner with significantly improved air warfare capability. This will improve the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to participate in coalition operations, enhance the lethality of its Air Warfare Destroyer platform, and provide common logistical support with the U.S. Navy.