The State Department has approved a possible $1.4 billion deal with Germany for three C-130J and three KC-130J aircraft.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential foreign military sale on May 4.
Germany has requested the Lockheed Martin [LMT] C-130Js and KC-130Js come equipped with Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines and Link-16 MIDS Terminals.
The deal also includes AN/ALE 47 Electronic Countermeasure Dispensers, AN/AAR-47A(V)2 Missile Warning Systems, AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receivers, MX-20 Electro-Optical/Infrared Imaging Systems, AN/APX-114/119 Identification Friend or Foe – Mode 5 and Joint Mission Planning Systems.
“The proposed sale will increase the airlift, air refueling, and air drop capabilities of the German Air Force. Providing these capabilities to the German Air Force will greatly increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the German Air Force as well as other NATO allies,” DSCA officials said in a statement.
Germany’s Air Force plans to use the aircraft for airlift, air refueling and air drop missions as part of a French-German allied squadron based in Evreux, France.
“The C-130Js will provide crucial air refueling capability to German and French fighter and light transport aircraft, as well as helicopters. Germany requests these capabilities to provide for the support of its deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with France and the United States,” DSCA officials said.