Australia will have the option of purchasing as many as 220 Tomahawk missiles with the State Department saying it was in the country's "national interest" to make sure Australia can defend itself.

"The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to interoperate with U.S. maritime forces and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest," a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

"By deploying the Tomahawk Weapon System, Australia will contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability of U.S. Forces operating alongside them globally. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense." â–