State Dept Clears Australia's $1.3B Modified Gulfstream Aircraft Purchase Request

The State Department has approved Australia’s request to buy up to five units of modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft from the U.S. under a potential $1.3 billion foreign military sales agreement.

Australia seeks to procure Gulfstream G550 planes that have been modified to integrate airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare mission systems as well as global positioning system, secure communications and aircraft defensive systems, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Monday.

L3 Technologies (NYSE: LLL) will be the prime contractor for the sale that also covers data processing, crew training, ground support equipment, publications, technical data, engineering, technical and logistics support services.

G550 was originally designed by General Dynamics‘ (NYSE: GD) Gulfstream Aerospace subsidiary to function as a business jet aircraft.

The FMS deal will support Australia’s efforts to modernize its electronic warfare capacity and boost interoperability between U.S. and Australian air forces, DSCA noted.

DSCA added the agreement also calls for the deployment of up to six U.S. contractor representatives to Australia.

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