The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for the purchase of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft training and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $250 million.
The Government of Australia has requested to buy non-major defense equipment items, including classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training for the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft; protective personnel equipment; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; classified and unclassified technical and non-technical manuals, books, publications, and training documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This notification covers a combined total of items to be added to previously implemented Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases. The original FMS case, valued at $18 million, included aircrew and maintenance training, protective equipment, and support services. In 2015, the case was amended with an additional $39 million, bringing the total to $67 million. In 2018, the case was amended with an additional $72 million, bringing the total to $142 million. This amendment caused the case to exceed the congressional notification threshold and should have been notified to Congress at that time; however, the technical error was not discovered until the partner requested an amendment.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of the 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. It is vital to U.S. national interest to assist Australia in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale will enhance Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the United States and its allies through comprehensive training. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this training into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
