The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation missiles to Australia through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The missiles, associated equipment, parts and logistical support carry an estimated price tag of $69 million.

"This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Australia, a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a required notification to Congress. "Australia is an important ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world.

"The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability in current and future coalition efforts. Australia will use this capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense."

DSCA is the organization that manages the FMS program.

The Australian request is for as many as 14 HARM tactical missiles, 16 AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles, four CATM-88B Captive Air Training Missiles, eight CATM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles/Captive Air Training Missiles, six AARGM guidance sections, five AARGM control sections, and two AARGM tactical telemetry missiles for live-fire testing.

The principal contractor would be Orbital ATK Defense Electronics Systems.

HARM is a weapon that homes in on electronic transmissions coming from surface-to-air radar systems.