US oks $1.4bn FMS from Germany for C-130J and KC-130J airlifters.

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Germany of three C-130J-30 aircraft and three KC-130J aircraft for an estimated cost of $1.40 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on May 4, 2018.

A brand new French Air Force C-130J-30 airlifter
(Credit: Lockheed Martin)

Germany has requested to buy three C-130J-30 and three KC-130J aircraft  Also included are eight AN/ALE 47 Electronic Countermeasure Dispensers; eight AN/AAR-47A(V)2 Missile Warning Systems; eight AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receivers; eight MX-20 Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging Systems; AN/APX-114/119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); and other related elements of logistical and program support.  The total estimated value is $1.40 billion.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe.  The proposed sale will increase the airlift, air refueling, and air drop capabilities of the German Air Force.  Providing these capabilities to the German Air Force will greatly increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the German Air Force as well as other NATO allies," the DSCA said. 

The German Air Force will use these aircraft to conduct airlift, air refueling, and air drop missions as part of a French-German allied squadron which will be based in Evreux, France, in 2021.  This common air transport squadron will have unrestricted exchange of aircraft, air crews, and maintainers, as well as technical and logistical support based on a common pool of spare parts and a common service support contract.  These exchanges would be carried out pursuant to separate authorizations from the United States.  

The C-130Js will provide crucial air refueling capability to German and French fighter and light transport aircraft, as well as helicopters.  Germany requests these capabilities to provide for the support of its deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with France and the United States.