Australia - Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges

March 18, 2025

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The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Countermeasures, Chaff, and Impulse Cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $165 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 MJU-61 decoy flares; MJU-64 decoy flares; MJU-66 flare countermeasures; MJU-76 flare countermeasures; RR-198A/L chaff cartridges; CCU-145/A impulse cartridges; other support equipment (MK-3 pallet); U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $165 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 Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by protecting and increasing aircraft survivability. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Kilgore Flares Company, LLC, located in Toone, TN; Armtec Countermeasures Company, located in Coachella, CA; Alloy Surface Company, Inc, located in Aston, PA; and CCI Capco LLC, located in Grand Junction, CO. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require three U.S. Government personnel and one contractor representatives to visit Australia on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)