Aircraft Weapons

Senator Bishop asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 24 March 2005:

With reference to the weapons carried by F-111 aircraft:

1. What weapons (missiles or bombs) are deployable on the F-111 but not on the F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
2. For each of these weapons, can a description be provided of its capability, purpose and cost.
3. Is the AGM-142 a weapon that can be deployed on the F-111 but not on the JSF.
4. What is the total stock of weapons (not individually) that can be deployed on the F-111 but not on the JSF.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. The AGM84 Harpoon air-to-surface missile, the AIM-9M air-to-air missile and the AGM-142 air-to-surface missile.
2. The unit cost of weapons is classified. However, the capability and purpose of these weapons are as follows:
   1. The AGM84 Harpoon is a subsonic, all-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile that uses radar terminal guidance. The Harpoon is carried by a number of ADF aircraft, ships and submarines, and provides a potent capability to attack ships from beyond 60 nautical miles.
   2. The AIM-9M is a short-range, infra-red guided air-to-air missile. The weapon provides the F-111 with a self-defence capability against hostile aircraft within visual range.
   3. The AGM-142 is an air-to-surface missile that uses electro-optical terminal guidance and is intended primarily for use against fixed targets.
3. Yes.
4. Australian weapon stock numbers are classified.

close