WASHINGTON, July 22, 2009 – On July 17, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the Government of Australia’s request to continue participation in the USAF/Boeing Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP), which consists of support for four Boeing C-17A aircraft. The estimated cost is $300 million.
The Government of Australia has requested to continue participation in the USAF/Boeing Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) which consists of support for Australia’s fleet of four Boeing C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, support equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have had a significant impact on regional, political, and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden-sharing with our allies.

This program will ensure Australia can effectively maintain its current force projection capability that enhances interoperability with U.S. forces. Australia is a staunch supporter of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. Australia’s troops are deployed in support of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, where U.S. assets currently provide this proposed capability.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis, Mo. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of ten U.S. Government and contractor representatives to participate in program management and technical reviews for two-week intervals annually. Additionally, up to ten contractor representatives will be required to provide in-country services throughout the life of this case.

There will be no adverse impact on 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: DSCA