U.S. approves potential $386M SDB sale to Australia

The State Department has approved a potential $386 million sale of Boeing-made Small Diameter Bomb Increment I units to Australia, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The sale, if Congress signs off on it, would cover up to 2,950 SBD I units and up to 50 guided test vehicles, as well as associated training, equipment and support, according to an April 6 DCSA notice.

"The sale of SDB I supports and complements the on-going sale of the F-35 to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)," DSCA states. "This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the RAAF."

Further, DSCA notes that "Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific," adding: "The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region."