US missile sale to Australia aims fast and hard at China - Asia Times

Summary

This article from Asia Times makes the following points:

• The US perceives Australia as a vital ally.
• The sale of the JASSM-ER extends the strike range of existing RAAF frontline fighters.
• In addition, this acquisition might reduce the need for refuelling RAAF aircraft.
• Australia, in partnership with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, has begun the process of being able to assemble advanced missiles in Australia.

References

Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:

• Australia opens hypersonics centre to support defence research | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
• Australia wins U.S. approval to buy rocket launchers | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)

References from the Web:

• JULY 2022 US approves JASSM ER sale to Australia - Australian Defence Magazine
• JULY 2022 Australia approved for JASSM-ER package (janes.com)

Source Information:

• Article Source: Home - Asia Times
• Media Check:  Asia Times - Media Bias/Fact Check (mediabiasfactcheck.com)
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