Trending 
Australia has announced a $518 million deal to buy long-range missiles from the United States (US) for its fighter jets, in a smaller package than the multi-billion-dollar sale approved earlier this year.
The agreement, which was announced on Thursday, will see Australia purchase up to 450 AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles made by Lockheed Martin for its air force.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the country would become the first nation outside the US to operate the new air-to-air missile system.
“These missiles will be installed on all of our fighter planes. That is, our Super Hornets, our Growlers and our F-35s, and they will be operating on those platforms soon,” Marles told reporters in Darwin during a multinational military exercise.
The missiles are expected to be deployed on Australia’s major fighter aircraft, although officials did not disclose when deliveries would begin.
The purchase comes after the US Congress approved a larger $3.16 billion arms package for Australia in March, which included the same 450 missiles alongside additional testing services.
The latest deal announced by Australia is valued at Aus$736 million ($518 million).
The missile agreement comes as US lawmakers and defence analysts raise concerns over declining weapons supplies linked to ongoing conflicts, including the war in Iran.
A recent analysis by the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that American stocks of key missile defence systems, including Patriot and THAAD missiles, have been reduced by the Iran conflict, potentially affecting US military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reports also said US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had disagreed over concerns about weapons shortages, although the White House denied claims of a serious shortage.
Beyond the new purchase, Australia has announced plans to invest up to Aus$36 billion over the next decade to develop domestic guided weapons manufacturing with global partners, including Lockheed Martin.
The country also said it recently tested a locally produced rocket motor with French defence company Thales, as part of efforts to strengthen its missile supply chain.
