The State Department approved a possible $70 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) request to Turkey for Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on Oct. 28.

An F/A-18 dropping a JDAM. Photo: Boeing
An F/A-18 dropping a JDAM. Photo: Boeing

The requested FMS would include major defense equipment (MDE) of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits comprised of 400 GBU-31(V)1 for use with Mk84 bombs, 200 GBU-31(V)3 for use with BLU-109 bombs, 300 GBU-38 for use with Mk82 bombs, 100 GBU-54 Laser JDAM kits for use with Mk82 bombs, 200 BLU-109 Hard Target Penetrator Warheads, and1000 FMU-152A/B fuzes

The sale would also include non-MDE including containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, integration, test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of logistics support.

The primary contractor would be Boeing [BA]. Any potential offset agreements would be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

The sale enhances Turkey’s ability to defend and provides a capability to contribute to future NATO operations, DSCA said. “The proven reliability and compatibility of like-systems will foster increased interoperability between NATO and U.S. forces, and expand regional defenses to counter common threats to air, border, and shipping assets in the region.”

DSCA also highlighted the importance of assisting a NATO ally in developing and maintaining a strong self-defense capability.

Implementation of the FMS may require trips by U.S. government and contractor representatives to Turkey in support of the equipment, but that will be determined during negotiations with the government of Turkey, DSCA said.