Something interesting for the RAAF.
Back in 2015 we ordered 2 G550 ISR aircraft however it appears we may be getting up to 5 more with on top of the ISR capability also having an EW capability.
Australia To Receive $1.3 Billion Gulfstream G550 ISR, EW Mission Systems Aircraft From US
Wonder if we will upgrade the other 2 with EW capabilities.
Here's the link from the DSCA website:
http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sale...0-aircraft-airborne-intelligence-surveillance
And no it's not two (2) plus five (5) more, originally two were announced, and then in the 2016 DWP and DIIP it mentioned a total of five in two tranches.
The text of the DSCA announcement is below:
WASHINGTON, Jun. 26, 2017 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for Gulfstream G550 Aircraft with Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems. The estimated cost is $1.3 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on June 23, 2017.
The Government of Australia requested the possible sale of up to five (5) Gulfstream G-550 aircraft modified to integrate Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (AISREW) mission systems, Global Positioning System (GPS) capability, secure communications, aircraft defensive systems; spares, including whole life costs of airborne and ground segments; aircraft modification and integration; ground systems for data processing and crew training; ground support equipment; publications and technical data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; flight test and certification; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $1.3 billion.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in the Western Pacific. Australia is an important Major non-NATO Ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale supports and complements the ongoing efforts of Australia to modernize its Electronic Warfare capability and increases interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment does not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be L3 of Greenville, TX. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of up to six (6) U.S. 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.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs,
[email protected]
