The State Department has approved a possible $815 million deal with Australia for the sale of 3,900 GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment II.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on Sept. 29 of the foreign military sale (FMS), which includes the 3,900 Raytheon [RTN] GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment II, 30 GBU-53/B Guided Test Vehicles and 60 GBU-53/B Captive Carry Reliability Trainers.
“This sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Western Pacific. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the DSCA said in a statement.
Raytheon’s Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz., would serve as the prime contractor for the deal.
Under the deal, Raytheon would also supply Weapon Load Crew Trainers, Practical Explosive Disposal Trainers, testing equipment, maintenance and repair services, and logistical support.
This latest FMS is meant to support the on-going sale of the F-35A strike fighter for use be the Royal Australian Air Force.
“This capability will strengthen combined operations, particularly air to ground strike missions in all-weather conditions, and increase interoperability between the United States and the RAAF,” DSCA said in a statement.