Northrop Grumman could upgrade French Navy E-2C Hawkeye Aircrafts as part of FMS

: Posted On Thursday, 20 October 2011 23:59

World Navy Force News - USA / France

Northrop Grumman could upgrade French Navy E-2C Hawkeye Aircrafts as part of FMS

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Oct. 18 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France for the upgrade of four E-2C HAWKEYE Aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $180 million.

The Government of France has requested a possible sale of the upgrade of four E-2C HAWKEYE Aircraft with weapon system sensor upgrades with Mode 5/S Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). Included are 5 APX-122 IFF Mode 5/S Interrogator Systems, 5 APX-123 IFF Mode 5/S Transponder Systems, and 5 ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measure Systems. In addition, this proposed sale will include related spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, weapon system support, development, publications and technical documentation, integration and testing, personnel training and equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $180 million.

French Navy has a fleet of 3 E-2C Hawkeyes
(Picture: French Navy)

France is one of the major political and economic powers in Europe and NATO and an ally of the United States in the pursuit of peace and stability. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist France to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.

France’s current IFF Interrogator, transponder, and electronic support measures is old technology and requires upgrading to the most current technology. The proposed sale will give France Mode 5/S capabilities. France intends to incorporate these systems into its E-2C HAWKEYE Navigation upgrade aircraft. France has significant experience in operating and maintaining modern weapon systems and infrastructure required and will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation in Bethpage, New York. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to France.
There will be no adverse impact on the U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Navy Recognition note: French Navy operates 3 E-2C Hawkeye in total