The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of P-3C aircraft upgrades and associated equipment to Germany.
Under the estimated $250m deal, Germany has requested the procurement, integration and installation of hardware and software to upgrade the mission computer, acoustic systems and non-integrated simulator equipment on eight P-3C aircraft.
Additional supplies include the design, development, integration, testing and installation of a ground-based mission support system, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment.
The proposed sale will enhance Germany’s ability to participate in future coalition operations, while promoting continued interoperability.
It also contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the military capabilities of a Nato ally and the standardisation and interoperability with US forces.
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company have been named as the prime contractors for the programme.
Powered by four Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines, the P-3C is fitted with anti-submarine warfare systems, including the AN/ARR-78(V) sonobuoy receiving system, the AN/ARR-72 sonobuoy receiver, two AQA-7 directional-acoustic frequency analysis, recording sonobuoy indicators and a AQH-4 (V) sonar tape recorder.
Image: A P-3C Orion craft takes off from Kadena Air Base. Photo: courtesy of US Navy/Released.
