Estimated Cost Of Aircraft, Related Equipment And Support Pegged At $180 Million

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for CH-47F aircraft, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $180 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 18, 2015. The total estimated value of MDE is $105 million. The total overall estimated value is $180 million.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress within the Pacific region and globally.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of:

• Three (3) CH-47F Chinook Helicopters
• Six (6) T55-GA-714A Aircraft Turbine Engines
• Three (3) Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade & Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Tracker (BFT)
• Three (3) Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS)
• Three (3) Honeywell H-764 Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Navigation Systems
• Three (3) Infrared Signature Suppression Systems

This request also includes the following Non-Major Defense Equipment; AN/APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transponders, Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver (DAGR), AN/ARC-201D SINCGARS Airborne Radio Systems, AN/ARC-220 High Frequency Airborne Communication Systems, AN/ARC-231(V)(C) Airborne VHF/UHF/LOS SATCOM Communications Systems, KY-100 Secure Communication Systems, KIV-77 Common IFF Cryptographic Computers, AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night Vision Systems, AN/ARN-147 Very High Frequency (VHF) Omni Ranging/Instrument Landing System Receiver, AN/PYQ-10(C) Simple Key Loaders, AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation (TACAN) System, Spare Parts, Tools, Ground Support Equipment, Technical Publications, Contractor and U.S. Government Technical Services.

The proposed sale of the CH-47F aircraft will improve Australia's heavy lift capability. Australia will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. The CH-47F aircraft will replace Australia’s retiring CH-47D aircraft. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.dsca.mil