Australia has requested the foreign military sale of two RQ-7B Shadow 200 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $218 million.
AAI Corp. [TXT] would be the prime contractor for the work. There are no known offset agreements proposed. Implementation of the proposed sale will require the assignment of four contractor representatives to Australia to support delivery of the RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAS in-country.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 6 of the potential sale.
Australia requested a possible sale of two RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAS, communication equipment to include four ground control stations, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other logistics support.
The sale would facilitate allied burden sharing and U.S. national security interests, as Australia occupies a strategic location contributing to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.
The proposed sale of the RQ-7B Shadow 200 systems will improve Australia’s capability to support ongoing ground operations in Afghanistan.
Australia will also use the enhanced capability in future contingency operations encompassing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and stability operations in the Asia- Pacific region. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.