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 Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
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 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 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.
The principal contractor will be the Boeing Helicopter Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements at this time associated with this proposed sale.
Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. or contractor representatives to Australia.