Lockheed Martin has offered the Royal Australian Air Force options for fast-track delivery of AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles as a means of accelerating retirement of Australia’s General Dynamics F-111 strike fighters.
The offer is based on supply of standard production JASSM rounds to provide an initial operational capability in 2007, and a full operational capability based on missiles equipped with a two-way weapons datalink for man-in-the-loop terminal control by 2010. However, delivery of the datalinked missile would start from the beginning of 2008.
After 2010, the Lockheed delivery schedule indicates planning for the provision of 35 missiles to Australia every year from 2009 to 2013 to build war stocks.
JASSM is up against the Boeing SLAM-ER missile for Australia’s Project Air 5418 Follow On Stand Off Weapon requirement, with tenders closing in April. The Australian Department of Defence bid evaluation is in its final phases.
Source: Flight International