The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Australia for the purchase of F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft training and related equipment.
The approximate total cost is US $250 million (approx. A $363 million).
Australia has requested to buy the following non-major defence equipment (MDE) items: F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; classified and unclassified technical and non-technical manuals, books, publications, and training documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support that will be added to the previously implemented cases.
The original FMS case, valued at US $18 million (approx. A $26 million) with $0 in MDE, included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
In 2015, the case was amended and added US $39 million (approx. A $57 million) for a total of US $67 million (approx. A $ 97 million) again with $0 in MDE and included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
In 2018, the case was amended and added US $72 million (approx. A $104 million) for a total of US $142 million (approx. A $206 million) with once more $0 in MDE and included F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This amendment caused the case to exceed congressional notification threshold, and it should have been notified to Congress at that time, but the technical error was not discovered until the partner requested an amendment.
This notification is for a combined total of the following non-MDE items: F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft classified and unclassified aircrew and maintenance training; protective personnel equipment; US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services; classified and unclassified technical and non-technical manuals, books, publications, and training documentation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $250 million.
There is no principal contractor associated with this potential sale. Training will be provided by US Government or contract vendors based upon requirements as they are determined.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Australia.