State Dept. approves sale of P-8A Poseidon aircraft to Britain

WASHINGTON, March 25 (UPI) -- Britain has asked the United States for the possible sale of as many as nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The sales package, which would include associated equipment, carries an estimated value of $3.6 billion, said the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees the FMS program.

DSCA, in its required notification to Congress, said the proposed deal has received approval from the State Department.

"The UK is a close ally and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues," DSCA said. "The proposed sale will enhance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the UK's capabilities to provide national defense and contribute to NATO and coalition operations."

Boeing would be the prime contractor for the deal. Other contractors would include ViaSat, Rockwell Collins, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Exelis and General Electric Canada.