US approves $1.3 billion sale of Tomahawk missiles to Australia

The US has approved the sale of Tomahawk missiles to Australia so its navy can be equipped with weaponry used by the US and UK. (Supplied: US Department of Defense)

Australia could buy as many as 220 Tomahawk missiles and supporting equipment from the United States.

The United States has approved the sale of up to $US895 million ($1.3 billion) worth of the guided weapons, which initially would be fitted to the navy's Hobart-class destroyers, and could later be installed in the Viriginia-class submarines when Australia acquires them next decade.