US approves sale of rocket launchers to Australia

On March 6, 2022, US military personnel stand by a M 142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System HIMARS during Saudi Arabia's first World Defense Show, north of the capital Riyadh. FAYEZ NURELDINE AFP WASHINGTON - The US State Department has approved the sale of mobile rocket launchers to Australia, as the country seeks to boost its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the US approved several weapons sales worth as much as $3.1 billion to allies, including helicopters to Egypt and missiles to the Netherlands.

Australia has increased defense spending over the past few years. Australia entered into a deal last year to buy nuclear submarines from the United States and Britain.

The sale of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems HIMARS launchers and related equipment to Australia will cost an estimated $385 million.

Australia requested to buy 20 HIMARS and other equipment, according to the Pentagon. The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin, L 3 Harris Corp and Chelton Inc, it said.

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The approval of the State Department at this point ensures that sales will go through.

The US also approved the sale of CH 47 F Chinook helicopters and related equipment to Egypt for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion.

Egypt requested to buy 23 CH-47 F Chinook helicopters, the Pentagon said, adding that the principal contractor will be Boeing Helicopter Co.

The Netherlands increased its previous order for AIM 9 X Block II Tactical Missiles and AIM 9 X Block II Tactical Missiles. The Pentagon said the missiles will be made by Raytheon and have a total approximate value of $117 million.

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The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Thursday.