State Department
approves possible AEA-18G sale to Australia
By Ryan Maass |
Dec. 6, 2016 at 11:07 AM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has
approved the potential sale of AEA-18G Growler Aircraft Electronic Warfare
Range Systems to the government of Australia.
The possible purchase, initially valued at $115 million,
includes two systems, personnel training, integration testing, and other
supporting equipment. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which manages the
Foreign Military Sales program, says the materials will be used to support
intelligence and surveillance operations within Australia's borders.
Airborne electronic attack systems, also known as AEA, are
typically integrated with a Boeing-made F/A-18F Super Hornet, re-designating
the aircraft as an EA-18G Growler in
the United States. Australia and the United States are the two primary
customers of the electronic attack plane.
In combat, the planes are used to relay data and other
information to joint force aircraft, jam enemy communications, and defend
against imminent threats using AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air
Missiles.
According to the DSCA, the sale will bolster defensive
capabilities for a major non-NATO ally while also serving U.S. security
interests. The agency adds the Australian Defense Force should have no
difficulty absorbing the systems.
Leidos and General Dynamics Mission Systems are listed as the
primary contractors for the proposed sale.
Original post: upi.com
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