According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency:
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Tomahawk Block V and Block IV All Up Rounds
(AUR) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $895 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Australia has requested to buy up to two hundred (200) Tomahawk Block V All Up Rounds (AUR) (RGM-109E); and up to twenty (20) Tomahawk Block IV All Up Rounds (AUR) (RGM-109E). Also included is support for all three segments of Australia’s Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS) to include the All Up Round (AUR), the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS) and the Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC). The support consists of unscheduled missile maintenance; spares; procurement; training; in-service support; software; hardware; communication equipment; operational flight test; engineering and technical expertise to maintain the TWS capability; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $895 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
Surface-launched Tomahawk
The announcement mentions the “RGM-190E” variant of the Tomahawk land attack cruise missile (LACM). The RGM variant means it is intended to be launched from surface ships. The submarine-launched variant is known as “UGM”.
As we previously reported, Australia was looking at outfitting its in-service Collins-class submarines with Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles as part of their forthcoming Life of Type Extension (LOTE). However the fate of this plan is uncertain now, following the recent announcement that the Royal Australian Navy is set to field Virginia-class submarines from the early 2030ies.
The Tomahawk LACMs, if procured by Australia, would initially be deployed aboard the three Hobart-class “Air Warfare Destroyers” (AWD) even tough their focus is in air defense. The missiles would likely be fitted aboard the much bigger (rumored full load displacement circa 10,000 tons) future Hunter-class frigates. Set to replace the in-service Anzac-class frigates, their focus is set to be on anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Integration of the large Tomahawk missile aboard Anzac-class ships appear unlikely for the same limiting factors which would make LRASM-SL integration (in its current form, with MK-114 booster) aboard the class unlikely.
To learn more about Tomahawk, check out our recent interview with Raytheon about the latest variant of the missile known as Block V:
