FMS: Australia Requests Sale of Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Systems

Released on Wednesday, May 21, 2008

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Systems as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $100 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of AN/AAQ-24(V) LAIRCM systems to be installed on C-130J aircraft, including the following Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): 12 Control Interface Units (CIU), 12 System Processors (SP), 12 AN/AAR-54(V) Missile Warning Systems (MWS), 12 Small Laser Transmitter Assemblies (SLTA), Operational Flight Program (OFP) software, and spare LRUs (6 CIUs, 6 SPs, 7 individual MWS sensors, and 12 SLTAs). Also included: installation support, engineering change proposals, minor modifications, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, repair and return, depot maintenance, training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $100million. Australia is an important ally 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's efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact to regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

These systems will be integrated on Australia's C-130J aircraft. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rolling Meadows, IL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will require approximately five contractor representatives to provide training, installation, and maintenance support technical and logistics support in Australia for twelve weeks after delivery. U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for two-week intervals annually.

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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.