The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Japan for RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $US1.2 billion.
Japan has requested a possible sale of three aircraft with Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS), eight Kearfott Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System units and eight LN-251 INS/GPS units.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency release said the proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US.
"Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the US in ensuring regional peace and stability. This transaction is consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security," it stated.
The release stated the principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rancho Bernardo, California and that "notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded".