The Australian government has approved Project Air 6000 Phase 3 to acquire a range of new weapons and countermeasures for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and F/A-18F Super Hornets, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 6 April.
The AUD$110 million investment will ensure weapons and decoys are available as Australia’s air combat fleet transitions to the F-35A and Super Hornet.
Thales Australia will supply weapon components and Chemring Australia will supply countermeasures for the project.
Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne, said: 'Aircraft self-protection countermeasures
and weapons are essential elements of Australia’s air combat
capability.
'A range of complementary weapons and countermeasures will be
acquired to provide comprehensive options for use in densely contested
environments.'