The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Australia for Hobartclass destroyer sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the possible sale, valued at approximately $275m.
The sustainment efforts featured in the sale will include Aegis computer software and hardware updates, system integration and testing, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation.
Personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, US Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and programme support also form part of the deal.
Australia is an important US ally and partner and makes significant contribution to the coalition, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world.
The proposed sale will help Australia enhance its capabilities in current and future coalition efforts, using the improved capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defence.
The sale directly contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia and worldwide.
For this project, the principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Washington, District of Columbia.
The Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD) programme is intended to deliver an affordable, effective, flexible and sustainable platform to the Australian Navy.
The AWD programme, known as SEA 4000, will deliver three advanced multirole warships to replace the FFGs of the RAN.
