By 12 Desember 2016
EA-18G Electronic Warfare Range System (photo : USAF)
WASHINGTON – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for AEA-18G Electronic Warfare Range System and related support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $115 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 2, 2016.
The Government of Australia has requested additional funding to a previously implemented case for two Electronic Warfare Range Systems to conduct Electronic Warfare and Electronic Surveillance training within the borders of Australia. The original FMS case, valued at $79.07 million, includes non-MDE costs for all support elements required to provide for system integration testing, tools and test equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications, operations manuals, technical documents, personnel training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The addition of $35.93 million in non-MDE funding to the basic case will provide for unfunded requirements to meet the scope of the basic case and provide for the sale of additional classified technical data and software, system integration and testing, tools and test equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications, operations manuals, and technical documents, personnel training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of engineering, logistics, and program management. This amendment will push the original case value above notification threshold and thus requires notification of the entire case. The total overall estimated value is $115 million.
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. By enabling Australian Defense Force (ADF) ranges, the U.S. Government will ensure consistency in training across platforms and theaters, whether the exercises are conducted in the United State or in Australia, where U.S. aircrews will be able to participate in training exercises alongside their Australian counterparts.
The proposed sale will allow continued efforts to improve Australia’s capability in current and future coalition operations. Australia will use the range to enhance Electronic Warfare capabilities as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these items into its armed forces.
The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be Leidos (hardware) and General Dynamics Mission Systems (software). The U.S. Government is not aware of any known offsets associated with this sale.
Implementation of this sale will require ten (10) temporary U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia for assistance in integration and range operational and maintenance training.
(DSCA)
