Kazakhstan seeks sale of King Air B300ER Scorpion ISR aircraft from US
The Government of Kazakhstan has requested the sale of King Air B300ER Scorpion aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) mission systems from the US.
The Government of Kazakhstan has requested the sale of King Air B300ER Scorpion aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) mission systems from the US.
The estimated $128.1m potential foreign military sale (FMS) has been approved by the US State Department.
The sale package includes the delivery of two King Air B300ER Scorpion aircraft, three Raytheon AST TITAN Communications Intelligence (COMINT) sensor suites, and three Leonardo Osprey 30 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars.
In addition, three WESCAM MX-15HDi elector optical infrared turret electro optical infrared sensors and three Sierra Nevada Small SWAP auto electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems are part of the package.
It also covers the purchase of fixed and transportable ground control station; ground support equipment; aircraft integration and test support and other associated support and equipment.
US Congress has been notified about the sale by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
In a statement, DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Central Asia.”
It also said that the capability will help Kazakhstan enhance its deterrence to protect the country from existing and future threats.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has been appointed as the principal contractor for this potential sale.
SNC Integrated Mission Systems has experience in modification and system integration on King Air series aircraft.
The aircraft is a highly adaptable, multi-mission platform designed to be able to conduct worldwide maritime, border security and other operations.