WASHINGTON, Apr. 6, 2016 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for GBU-39 (Small Diameter Bomb Increment I) and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $386 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 4, 2016.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE):Up to 2,950 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I)Up to 50 Guided Test Vehicles (GTV) with GBU-39 (T-1)/B (Inert Fuze)
This request also includes the following Non-MDE: containers, weapons system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
The total estimated value of MDE is $172 million. The total overall estimated value is $386 million.
Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. This proposed 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 the Pacific region and globally.
The sale of SDB I supports and complements the on-going sale of the F-35 to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the RAAF. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor for production is Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri. The principal contractor for integration is unknown and will be determined during contract negotiations. 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. 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.