JASSM to fly on Australian F/A-18s

From eDefense

JASSMs to Fly on Australian F/A-18s

Source: Australian Department of Defense

Feb. 28, 2006

Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile (JASSM) has been selected as the new long-range air-to-surface missile to equip the Australian Defense Force's F/A-18 Hornet fleet.

The acquisition of long-range missiles does not represent a change in Australia's defense posture and capability planning. Acquiring a long-range air-to-surface missile has been publicly listed in Defense Capability Plan since 2001 and specific details were announced in August 2004. The missile is planned to be operational on the aircraft by December 2009.

The introduction and fitting of the JASSM to the F/A-18 Hornet provides an important capability for the defense forces and forms a key part of the government's plan to withdraw the F-111 aircraft. The acquisition is a prudent decision to ensure Australia retains its strike capability so Australian objectives can be met while maintaining the safety of aircraft and crews.

Importantly, this new missile has the potential to be fitted to future platforms, including the Joint Strike Fighter. The previous concept for the project had considered equipping both the F/A-18 Hornet and AP-3C Orion aircraft with the missile. This decision will reduce overall cost and risk of the project by equipping the F/A-18 only (see also "JDAM Selected for Australian F/A-18s").

The government has committed to spending $21.1 billion on defense capability over the 10-year period to 2010. This funding builds on the 2000 White Paper commitment to increase defense funding by 3% annually until 2010-2011.

For a look at the JASSM program in the US, see "JASSM Program Getting Back on Track."