The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Monday of plans to sell the Israeli government a package of V-22B Block C "Osprey" tiltrotor aircraft, plus associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support. Specifically, the package of military aid requested by the Israelis includes:
- Six V-22B Block C Ospreys.
- 16 Rolls Royce AE1107C Engines to power them.
- Six each of AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver Systems, AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems, AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, AN/APX-123 Identification Friend or Foe Systems, AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation Systems, AN/ARN-147 Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range Instrument Landing System Beacon Navigation Systems, Multi-Band Radios, AN/APN-194 Radar Altimeters, and AN/ASN-163 Miniature Airborne Global Positioning System Receivers to equip them
- 36 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles for the pilots and crew.
- Computer systems, software, support and test equipment, and other equipment and services needed to operate the planes.
In total, the foreign military sales covered by this notification are valued at approximately $1.13 billion.
DSCA advised Congress that this sale "is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability," and "will enhance and increase the Israel Defense Forces' search and rescue and special operations capabilities."
At the same time, DSCA assured Congress that "there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale." Nor will the equipment "alter the basic military balance in the region."
Boeing (BA -0.38%) and Bell Helicopter Textron (TXT 2.06%), which jointly produce the Osprey, will be named as the principal contractors if this sale is permitted to proceed.
