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Australia approved for purchase of small diameter bombs

Australia approved for possible purchase of small diameter bombs.

By Richard Tomkins
Australia approved for possible $386 million purchase of Boeing GBU-39 small diameter bombs. Pictured, Airman 1st Class Robert Branham GBU-39s for loading onto an F-15E Strike Eagle. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung
Australia approved for possible $386 million purchase of Boeing GBU-39 small diameter bombs. Pictured, Airman 1st Class Robert Branham GBU-39s for loading onto an F-15E Strike Eagle. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

WASHINGTON, April 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of GBU-39 bombs to Australia through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The deal, which includes associated equipment and support, carries a price tag of $386 million.

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"Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific," The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in its required notification to Congress. "The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region."

DSCA manages the Foreign Military Sales program.

Australia is specifically seeking as many as 2,950 GBU-39/Bs, which are small diameter bombs, and as many as 50 Guided Test Vehicles with GBU-39 (T-1)/B inert fuzes.

Other items sought include bomb containers, weapons system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment.

"The sale of SDB I (small diameter bomb) supports and complements the on-going sale of the F-35 to the Royal Australian Air Force," DSCA said. "This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the RAAF."

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The principal contractor for production would be Boeing.

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