AIM-120D for RAAF

[Adam the Akrodude]

Just saw this. RAAF to get the AIM0120"D" AMRAAM. This is big news, as it gives our air force a distinct regional advantage with these extra "long sticks". The "D" version has a range in excess of 100 nm - I read it can be as much as 120 nm. Our nearest neighbour Indonesia has the "C-7" version which may have a range as much as 70-80 nm (operational on their F-16 C/D fleet) - not that I remotely consider this country to be any kind of a threat at this time to Australia, more a regional security partner. This procurement is on top of the Small Diameter Bomb order for the RAAF. In the near future, the RAAF will be able to toss SDB's at targets up to 70 nm away without being detected, with the F-35/F/A-18/F-18F fleet well able to control airspace with AIM-9X and AIM-120D A-A missiles. The Growler fleet will ensure any potential adversaries radars are rendered useless - a huge asset to this country's defence as is the Wedgetail. The RAAF has never been in better shape I think.

http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/raaf-seeks-dollar12bln-missiles-from-us/ar-BBseR6g?ocid=spartanntp

http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/small-diameter-bomb-sdb-for-australia