Sustainment for 3 Aircraft at Estimated $300 Million

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 27 April notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) for the continuation of C-17 logistics support services for NATO.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has requested follow-on support for three C-17 aircraft operated by a consortium of 12 nations including the US. Specific requests include participation in the Global Reach Improvement Programme (GRIP), contract labor for Class I modifications and kits, in-country contractor support, alternate mission equipment, major modification and retrofit, software support, aircraft maintenance and technical support, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, additional spare and repair parts, technical orders and publications, airworthiness certification support, engine logistics support, inspections, and other US government and contractor engineering, logistics and programme support. The total estimated programme cost is $300 million.

The proposed sale will provide the NATO C-17s with similar readiness levels to those operated by the US. The current FMS agreement for supporting these aircraft expires on 20 September 2017. Prime contractor for the programme will be Boeing.