US clears $108mn FMS from Australia for ALE-70 Radio Frequency Countermeasures

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Australia
 
 
US clears $108mn FMS from Australia for ALE-70 Radio Frequency Countermeasures
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for ALE-70 Radio Frequency Countermeasures (RFCM) worth $108.7 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on August 3.
     
US clears 108mn FMS from Australia for ALE 70 Radio Frequency Countermeasures 640 001Australia’s first Lockheed Martin, F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, made its inaugural flight on Sept. 29, 2014
(Credit: Lockheed Martin) 
     
Australia requested the possible sale of 1,952 ALE-70(V)/T-1687A Electronic Towed Decoy Countermeasures, publications and technical documentation, other technical assistance, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $108.7 million, the DSCA stated.

"The proposed sale will improve Australia’s F-35 fighter jets survivability and will enhance its capability to deter global threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and cooperate in coalition defense initiatives," the DSCA added.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems Inc., based in Nashua, NH.

The ALE-70 RFCM countermeasures dispenser system is designed to fit into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. It will be installed in the 72 F-35A aircraft Australia plans to buy to equip three operational squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.