The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Australia for countermeasures, chaff, and impulse cartridges, with an estimated cost of $165 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has submitted the required certification to Congress regarding the proposed sale.
According to the DSCA, Australia has requested to purchase various countermeasure and decoy flare systems, including:
MJU-61, MJU-64, MJU-66, and MJU-76 decoy flares
RR-198A/L chaff cartridges
CCU-145/A impulse cartridges
MK-3 pallet support equipment
Technical assistance and logistical support
The DSCA stated that this sale aims to strengthen Australia’s aircraft survivability and enhance its defense capabilities against current and future threats. The agency noted that Australia is an important U.S. ally in the Western Pacific, and this sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security interests.
The transaction is not expected to affect the military balance in the region. The principal contractors involved in the deal include:
Kilgore Flares Company, LLC (Toone, TN)
Armtec Countermeasures Company (Coachella, CA)
Alloy Surface Company, Inc. (Aston, PA)
CCI Capco LLC (Grand Junction, CO)
No offset agreements have been identified at this stage, though they may be determined through negotiations between Australia and the contractors.
The sale’s implementation will require the temporary deployment of three U.S. Government personnel and one contractor representative to Australia for technical oversight and support. The DSCA confirmed that the sale will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness.
The final cost may vary based on budget allocations, final requirements, and signed agreements.