The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Friday of plans to sell the Federal Republic of Germany a package of equipment, tools, services, and training designed to upgrade the Deutsche Marine's fleet of eight P-3C Orion submarine-hunting aircraft. If approved, this sale would mean approximately $250 million in incremental revenues for principal contractors Lockheed Martin (LMT -0.27%) and General Dynamics (GD 0.48%).
Specifically, Germany has asked for upgrades to the planes' mission computers and acoustic systems, plus new parts for the planes' flight simulator equipment. As part of the upgrades package, Germany will also receive a new ground-based mission support system for the aircraft.
Explaining the sale to Congress, DSCA noted that upgrades will enhance Germany's ability to participate in future coalition operations and will promote continued interoperability with this important NATO ally.
According to DSCA, "there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale." Nor will the sale alter the basic military balance in the region.
German P-3C Orion. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
