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| M88 Recovery Vehicle (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons) |
WASHINGTON, Jan 26, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $47 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 6 M88A2 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicles, 7 Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade & Below (FBCB2)/Blue Force Trackers (BFT), AN/PSN-13(V) Global Positioning System (GPS) Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGR), AN/VAS-5 Driver Vision Enhancers (DVE), AN/VRC-92F with RT-1523F Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), Commander’s Weapon Station assemblies, remote thermal sights, radio harnesses , M239 Grenade Launchers, maintenance support devices, Deep Water Fording Kits, spare and repair parts, supply and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, United States Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost for up to six M88A2s, support and services is $47 million.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia. Australia is an important ally and partner that contributes significantly to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with these objectives and facilitates burden sharing with a key ally.
The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s capability to conduct heavy ground operations. Australia will use this equipment to support its deterrent capabilities against regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Australia, which currently operates M88A2s, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional M88A2s into its inventory.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be the BAE Systems in York, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.
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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.