US okays $1b missile sale to Australia

WASHINGTON, Apr 10 (AFP): The United States on Wednesday announced the approval of a $1.04-billion sale of up to 200 each of AIM-120C and AIM-120D air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Australia.

"The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to meet current and future threats by protecting and increasing aircraft survivability," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

Australia has tied itself deeply to the US and Britain in a three-way defence pact called AUKUS, with one major provision a deal to buy American-made nuclear-powered submarines.

Canberra has sought reassurances that President Donald Trump still feels bound by the alliance, struck under his predecessor Joe Biden.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in February he had highlighted "bipartisan support" for AUKUS in a call with Trump.