US approves foreign military sale of MQ-9 communications intelligence sensor pod suites to France.

 The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of MQ-9 Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites and related equipment for an estimated cost of $88 million. 

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MQ-9 Reaper (Picture source: Armée de l'Air et de l'espace)

The Government of France has requested to buy up to eight (8) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites, that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case and amendments, valued at $71 million, included five (5) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites. Therefore, this notification is for a total of eight (8) Communications Intelligence Sensor Pod Suites. Also included is ground handling equipment; spares and repair parts; consumables and accessories; secure communications and cryptographic devices; software and support services; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $88 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve France’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring the operational readiness of the French Air and Space Force. France’s MQ-9 aircraft fleet provides Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance that supports coalition operations. France will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, York, PA. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, San Diego, CA is on contract for integration work only. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.