Japan, UAE request U.S. military equipment

WASHINGTON, June 3 (UPI) -- U.S. foreign military sales deals for airborne early warning and control aircraft and guided bombs are in the works for Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

The two packages are worth a combined total of more than $1.8 billion and have been approved by the U.S. State Department, Congress was told by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Both proposed sales would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States, the agency said in its required notification to Congress.

Japan accounts for the largest sales request in terms of dollar amount. It has asked for the possible sale of four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion.

The associated equipment, parts and support would include 10 T56-A-427A engines, Multifunction Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals, APY-9 radars, as well as modifications, spare and repair parts and support equipment.

"Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region," DSCA said. "It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

"This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security."

Northrop Grumman would be the principal contractor and the acquisition and integration of all systems would be managed by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command.