The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 16 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for 10 C-27J aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $950 million.
The Government of Australia requested a possible sale of 10 C-27J aircraft; 23 AE2100D2 Rolls Royce engines; 12 Electronic Warfare Self Protection Suites; 12 AAR-47A(V)2 Missile Warning Systems; 12 ALE-47(V) Threat Adaptive Countermeasures Dispensing Systems; 12 APR-39B(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers; 13 AN/APN-241 Radar Systems; 44 AN/ARC-210 Warrior Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency Communication Systems; 12 KY-100 Units; 12 HF 9550 Radios; 12 APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (Mode 4); 14 Blue Force Trackers; 12 Portable Flight Mission Planning Systems; support and test equipment; repair and return; spare and repair parts; aircraft ferry and tanker support; personnel training and training equipment; publications and technical data; Operational Flight Simulator, Fuselage, and Maintenance trainers; U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The estimated cost is $950 million.
Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia views interoperability with U.S. Forces as an important goal and objective for equipment acquisition. Accordingly, and in line with the overall procurement strategy, Australia seeks an acquisition FMS case that supports the procurement of the C-27J aircraft.
The proposed sale will allow the Australian Defense Force (ADF) to improve its capability to meet current and future air mobility needs and humanitarian operations and disaster relief efforts in Southeast Asia. The ADF retired its fleet of 14 DHC-4 Caribou aircraft in 2009 and will soon retire 12 C-130H aircraft. The proposed sale of C-27J’s will provide the capability needed to meet operational needs and emerging requirement. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing the C-27J and support into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be L3 Integrated Systems Group in Waco, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
