Australia requests purchase of Sidewinder missiles

As many as 350 Sidewinder tactical missiles may be sold to Australia under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its required notification to Congress, said the proposed sale carries a value of $534 million and that the U.S. State Department has given its approval for the deal.

"This proposed sale will improve the Royal Australian Air Force's air-to-air capability and ability to defend its nation and cooperate with allied air forces," the agency said.

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