The State Department has given Germany the green light to procure four Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE: NOC) MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems from the U.S. government through a potential $2.5 billion foreign military sales agreement.
Northrop and Airbus’ defense and space business will serve as prime contractors in the proposed FMS deal in support of the European country’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts and security of NATO and the European Union, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.
Northrop will oversee payload installation, integration and functional compatibility testing, while Airbus’ defense and space business will manage development and production activities as well as related testing initiatives.
The transaction calls for the delivery of a modified version of the U.S. Navy’s Triton drone configuration and includes a mission control station, a Rolls Royce engine, mission planning element, communication equipment, spares and repair parts, logistics, technical assistance and engineering services to support the installation and testing of Germany’s payload.
The proposed sale will require the deployment of contractor representatives to Germany to help set up security infrastructure and provide logistics support.
DSCA said it notified Congress of the potential deal Wednesday.
