The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale (FMS) worth around $650m to France for C-130J aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the potential sale.
Under the proposed sale, the major defence equipment (MDE) will comprise of two C-130J aircraft with Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines, two KC-130J aircraft with Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines and four Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines spares.
The non-MDEs that come under the deal include six AN/ALE 47 electronic countermeasure dispensers, six AN/AAR-47A(V)2 missile warning systems and six AN/ALR-56M radar warning receivers.
The scope of the delivery also include ten embedded global positioning / inertial navigation systems, ten AN/ARC-210 radios, ten AN/ARC-164 UHF / VF radios, two HF voice radios, ten KY-100 secure voice terminals and ten KYV-5 secure voice equipment units.
In addition, the deal cover the supply of support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The principal contractor for this proposed deal is Lockheed Martin.
The Lockheed Martin-built C-130 is the tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft. C-130J Hercules is the latest model that features a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller.
The new aircraft will offer critical transport, airdrop, and resupply to thousands of French troops in support of current and future operations.
Moreover, the new capabilities will offer crucial air refueling capability to France’s fighter aircraft, light transport aircraft, and helicopters.
