WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress this week Japan and Belgium seek Foreign Military Sales deals worth more than $1 billion.
Japan aims to upgrade its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and has requested the sale of E-767 AWACS mission computing upgrades.
The E-767 would include four Electronic Support Measure Systems, eight AN/UPX-40 next-generation IFF (identify friend or Foe) units, eight AN/APX-119 IFF transponders, and four KIV-77 cryptographic computers.
The sales package would include design and kit production, support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment.
U.S. government and contractor engineering and technical support, installation and checkout, and other related elements of program support are also included.
"Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of this region," the agency said. "The U.S. government shares bases and facilities in Japan.
"This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security."
The agency said the equipment would enable Japan's AWACS fleet to be more compatible with the U.S. Air Force AWACS fleet baseline and provide for greater interoperability.
The proposed sale is worth $950 million.
The principal contractor would be Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. U.S. government and contractor representatives would be required to make multiple trips to Japan in a span of eight years for modification kit installations, testing, technical reviews/support and training.
In Europe, U.S. ally and NATO member Belgium is seeking AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
The sale would be worth $68 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Congress.
The FMS would include 40 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round missiles, 36 CATM-9X-2 captive air training missiles, two CATM-9X-2 Block II missile guidance units, and 10 AIM-9X-2 Block II tactical guidance units.
Four dummy air training missiles, missile containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support are covered as well.
"The Belgian Air Force intends to obtain these AIM-9X missiles as part of an overall military modernization program to better support its own air defense needs and to improve its interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO allies," the agency said.
Raytheon would be the main contractor. Government and contractor representatives would be required in Belgium temporarily for technical support.
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally which continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the agency said.
