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World Defense & Security News - Australia
 
 
US approves a $386mn FMS to Australia for GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs
 
The United States State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for GBU-39 (Small Diameter Bomb Increment I) and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $386 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on April 6.
     
US approved a 386mn FMS from Australia for GBU 39 Small Diameter Bombs 640 001A GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
     
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 2,950 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) and up to 50 Guided Test Vehicles (GTV) with GBU-39 (T-1)/B (Inert Fuze).

This request also includes the following Non-MDE: containers, weapons system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The total estimated value of MDE is $172 million. The total overall estimated value is $386 million.

"Australia is one of our 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," the DSCA said.

"The sale of SDB I supports and complements the on-going sale of the F-35 to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the RAAF," the DSCA added.

The principal contractor for production is Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri.