Aboard CVN 78, the AAG and EMALS recently achieved achieved 10,000 aircraft recoveries and launches by 2022. Credit: General Atomics

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG) to France.

Approved by the US State Department, the proposed sale includes associated equipment and is estimated to be valued at $1.32bn.

Under the FMS, France has requested to buy one EMALS with two launcher configuration, and one AAG with three engine configuration.

Land-based testing and test spares, testing and certification support, shipboard spares, peculiar support equipment, government furnished equipment, and operator and maintainer training are included in the FMS package.

The sale package also includes other associated programme elements and logistical support.

Furthermore, services such as the US Government and contractor technical, engineering, repair, storage, and logistics personnel services are included in the FMS.

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DSCA said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

According to DSCA, France will integrate EMALS and AAG into its next-generation aircraft carrier programme.

General Atomics-Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) are serving as the prime contractors.

Some 40 US Government and contractor representatives will be assigned to France for a period of ten weeks per year in calendar years starting from 2033 to 2038.

The personnel will support shipboard system installation, commissioning, aircraft compatibility testing, flight deck certification and sea trials.

This year, EMALS and AAG installed aboard USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) completed at-sea operational testing during the vessel’s 18-month Post Delivery Test & Trials (PDT&T) period.

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