RAAF Seeks Upgrade Components for 27 Aircraft

The US State Department has approved a potential $122 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) components and related equipment, to support an ongoing upgrade of RAAF transport aircraft.

Canberra has requested 27 AN/AAQ 24(V)N LAIRCM system processor replacements for its large transport aircraft, including the C-17A, KC-30A, and C-130J/C-130J-30 fleets, stated the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a 22 February notification to Congress.

Also included in the proposed deal are 30 Guardian laser turret assemblies, advanced threat missile warning sensors, spares, integration and test support, personnel training, technical documentation, contractor engineering, as well as technical and logistics support services. The deal still has to be approved by Congress.

“These countermeasures are crucial to defeating modern threats”, said the agency, adding that the principal contractors would be Northrop Grumman and Boeing.

Gabriel Dominguez in Singapore for MON