Conflicts Arise As ADF Set To Purchase $183.7M Anti-Radiation Missiles

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) to the Australian Defence Force for the replacement of the specialised (Electronic Attack) EA-18G Growler aircraft. Though the notice has been given, the sale has not yet been finalised and may cost Australian tax payers up to AU$183.7 million for the system and its equipment. With tensions rising over the threats by North Korea to its neighbours, the HARM system may indeed become the first line of defence against a conventional or even nuclear attack by allowing RAAF pilots to strike targeting radar and tracking of the North Korean military. Whether the purchase will go over well with the Australian public might take a back seat to the political implications for US President Donald Trump abroad however, as it emerges that there may be a conflict of interest due to the Presidents pre-inauguration stock market portfolio which remains a mystery as to his controlling stake including the principle manufacturer of AGM-88 HAR missiles, Raytheon, a company that has previously drawn concerns over Trumps potential profit during the recent Syria strikes. If this is the case, a sitting US President approving an arms sale which could increase their own personal wealth is most definitely worthy of closer scrutiny.

#HARM #Raytheon #ADF