NATO requests $333 mn FMS contracts for C-17 airlifters self-protection systems and support.

This proposed sale will provide sustainment for three C-17s operated by a consortium of twelve nations, including the U.S. This program flies missions in and around Europe, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Levant, and North Africa. The current FMS case supporting these C-17s will expire on 20 September 2017, the DSCA explains.

In a second FMS, the NSPA (NSPA) requested the sale of 14 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) and six LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) along with contractor spares, consumables, support equipment, technical data, aircraft installation, flight test, certification, publications and training in order to upgrade the AN/AAQ-24(V) LAIRCM system on three of its C-17 aircraft. The estimated total value is $33.5 million. The prime contractor for production is Northrup Grumman.

"This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enhancing the aircraft self-protection capabilities of C-17 aircraft operated by the NATO Airlift Management (NAM) Programme, a consortium of 12 nations, including the United States," the DSCA said about this second FMS.

NSPA's fleet of C-17 Globemaster III airlifters is mainly operated from Pápa Air Base, Hungary. This Strategic Airlift Capability was established in 2008 by ten NATO member countries (Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and the United States) and two Partnership for Peace nations (Finland and Sweden).