The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for SM-2 Block IIIB Standard missiles, equipment, and support at an estimated cost to the Commonwealth of $416 million.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying US Congress of the possible sale on May 27.

Up to 80 of the Standard RIM-66M-09 missiles and 15 of the MK 97 SM-2 Block IIIB Guidance Sections have been requested.

"The missiles will be used for anti-air warfare test firings during [AWD] Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials."

According to the DSCA, the missiles will be used for anti-air warfare test firings during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials for the Royal Australian Navy’s three Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) currently under construction. 

“The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles, combined with the Aegis combat systems in the AWDs, will provide significantly enhanced area defence capabilities over critical South East Asian air-and-sea-lines of communication,” the statement said.

“Australia has already integrated the SM-2 Block IIIA into its Perry-class FFGs and recently upgraded its Intermediate-Level Maintenance Depot at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills with new guided missile test equipment capable of maintaining the SM-2 All-Up Round.”

The principal contractors will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, Arizona; Raytheon Company, Camden, Arkansas; and BAE of Minneapolis and Aberdeen, South Dakota.