Australia orders more than 60 AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles with 12,485 payloads for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at a cost of $431 million

The Australian Department of Defence is ordering AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles. They will be used to arm fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters.

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Australia has decided to purchase more than 60 AARGM-ER anti-radar missiles. The amount of the deal is estimated at $431 million. In addition to the F-35 Lightning II, the new missiles will be armed with EA-18G Growler aircraft.

AARGM-ER or Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range is a deep modernisation of the AGM-88E AARGM missile. In the US, the carriers are also fourth-generation F/A-18EF Super Hornet deck fighters along with the aforementioned F-35 Lightning II and EA-18G Growler.

The missile is designed to suppress enemy air defence systems. Last December, Northrop Grumman conducted tests in which the F/A-18EF Super Hornet was able to destroy a moving target.

The AARGM-ER has an inertial guidance system, GPS and an active-passive radar homing head. The 70kg warhead contains 12,845 striking elements made of tungsten.

Source: Australian Ministry of Defence