WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress that France is seeking upgrade of four E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
The upgrade would cover weapon system sensor upgrades with Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe systems as well as five APX-122 IFF Mode 5/S Interrogator Systems, five APX-123 IFF Mode 5/S Transponder Systems and five ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measure Systems.
In addition, this proposed sale will include related spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, weapon system support, development, publications and technical documentation, integration and testing, personnel training and equipment and engineering and logistics personnel support services.
The estimated cost is $180 million.
France's current IFF interrogator, transponder and electronic support measures is old technology and requires upgrading to the most current technology. The proposed sale will give France Mode 5/S capabilities.
France intends to incorporate the systems into its E-2C Hawkeye Navigation upgrade aircraft.
The prime contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corp. in Bethpage, N.Y.
Implementation of the proposed sale won't require the assignment of any additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to France.
