The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of four (4) AE-2100D Turbo Prop engines and two (2) Multifunctional, Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminal Block Upgrade Two (MIDS-LVT BU2) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $350 million. The Government of France has requested to buy four (4) AE-2100D Turbo Prop engines and two (2) Multifunctional, Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminal Block Upgrade Two (MIDS-LVT BU2). The proposed sale will improve France’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the necessary sustainment, services, and spare parts to support the co-managed fleet of French and German C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. France will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and/or services into its armed forces.
Also included are
— AN/ARC-210 radios;
— AN/ARC-164 radios;
— L-3 CSW Multiband Receiver/Transmitters;
— AN/ARN-153 Navigation Systems;
— AN/ARN-147 Receivers;
— AN/APN-241 Radar Receiver Transmitter Processor;
— ARC-190 High Frequency Receivers;
— AAR-60 Missile Launch Warning Systems;
— MTS-A Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system;
— AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe Systems;
— Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); and
— encryption devices; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, GA; Rolls Royce Cooperation, Indianapolis, IN; General Electric Aviation System, LTD/Dowty, Sterling, VA; Raytheon, Cedar Rapids, IA; and ViaSat, Carlsbad, CA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of (1) U.S. contractor representative to France for a duration of three years to provide technical assistance and support.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. As of February 2018, 400 C-130J aircraft have been delivered to 17 nations. The C-130J is the newest version of the C-130 Hercules and the only model still in production. In 2015, the French Air Force ordered 4 Super Hercules to supplement existing capabilities due to the ongoing problems and delays of the ordered Airbus A400M. In January 2017, German defence minister announced the intention to purchase up to 6 C-130J Hercules to acquire tactical airlift capabilities due to the delayed deliveries of the Airbus A400M. Together with the C-130J of the French Air Force this will form a joint air transport squadron.
