Three Aircraft Of Each Type Requested By The German Government

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany of three C-130J-30 aircraft and three KC-130J, along with four engines for each aircraft and associated equipment, for an estimated cost of $1.40 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale last week.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe. The proposed sale will increase the airlift, air refueling, and airdrop capabilities of the German Air Force. Providing these capabilities to the German Air Force will greatly increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the German Air Force as well as other NATO allies.

The German Air Force will use these aircraft to conduct airlift, air refueling, and air drop missions as part of a French-German allied squadron based in Evreux, France. This common air transport squadron will have unrestricted exchange of aircraft, air crews, and maintainers, as well as technical and logistical support based on a common pool of spare parts and a common service support contract. These exchanges would be carried out pursuant to separate authorizations from the United States. The C-130Js will provide crucial air refueling capability to German and French fighter and light transport aircraft, as well as helicopters. Germany requests these capabilities to provide for the support of its deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with France and the United States. Germany 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. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(Image provided with Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) news release)

FMI: www.dsca.mil