The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a possible sale of 17 SM-2 block IIIB standard warhead compatible telemetry missiles and associated equipment to Australia.

Under the estimated $46m foreign military sale, Australia will receive 17 SM-2 block IIIB standard warhead compatible telemetry missiles, including AN/DKT-71 telemeters and related equipment.

The missiles will be used for anti-air warfare test firings during combat systems ship qualification trials for the Royal Australian Navy’s three new air warfare destroyers, currently under construction.

The potential sale is to support Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

Raytheon Missile Systems will be the prime contractor.