US Approves Sale of AEGIS Combat System Related Equipment to Australia

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of equipment associated with the integration of the CEAFAR 2 Phased Array Radar System with the AEGIS Combat System for an estimated cost of $185 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Wednesday.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy long lead items, engineering and development activities, establishment of engineering development sites, and commencement of development activities associated with the integration of the CEAFAR 2 Phased Array Radar System with the AEGIS Combat System.

Included are AEGIS Weapon System Technical Equivalent Components including Command Display System (CDS) Consoles (including 2 consoles in Gun Weapon System configuration); Multi-Mission Display (MMD) systems.

The proposed sale will enhance Australia's Surface Combatant capability by adding nine AEGIS capable Future Frigates over the next 20 years and by upgrading their existing three AEGIS capable Hobart Class destroyers with the latest technology and capability.