WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Tunisia is seeking a $60 million Foreign Military Sales deal from the United States to upgrade avionics on its F-5 aircraft.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its required notice to Congress, said the upgrade package would include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
"The proposed sale will improve Tunisia's capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense, as well as support counter-terrorism operations," the agency said. "These systems will bolster Tunisia's ability to continue supporting its air and ground forces in counter-terrorism and border security operations."
Tunisia operates 12 F-5 fighters. The Block 1 avionics upgrades include 12 LN-260 Standard Positioning System Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems; control display units, electrical power and environmental control systems; personnel training; training equipment; and logistical support.
The main contractor would be Northrop Grumman. If the proposed sale is approved, as many as 23 U.S. contractor representatives would be deployed to Tunisia for about two years.
