Australia to Spend $3 Billion on High-Tech Attack Gear for Its Jet Fighters

The US State Department has approved the purchase of new communications and defence capabilities which will be fitted to Australia’s Growlers and Hornets.

A No.6 Squadron EA-18G Growler prepares to conducts a proof of arrest using the tactical aircraft arrestor system during the Australian International Air Show 2025, at Avalon Airport. Courtesy of ADF

Australia’s fleet of fighter jets will be more capable under fire as a result of the installation of two new high-tech pieces of equipment in a deal worth $3.08 billion (US$2 billion).

The U.S. State Department has cleared the purchase of 60 Global Lightning Joint Tactical Terminal Transceivers (JTT-X) and 24 Next Generation Electronic Attack Units (NGEAU), which will be fitted to the RAAF’s EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft and F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole fighter jets.