The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of up to eight hundred fifty (850) Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Increment 1 Block 1 (JCREW I1B1) Systems and related equipment.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency recently delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
Australia has requested to buy up to 850 JCREW I1B1 systems (533 vehicle mounted and 317 dismounted), plus: spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; technical exchanges, publications and technical documentation; support equipment; engineering change proposals; classified software/loadsets; training; US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support.
The total estimated cost is US$245 million.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US," the State Department said. "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."
The JCREW I1B1 will provide increased force protection from radio-controlled IEDs. The dismounted and mounted variants set to be procured have a modular, open architecture and are upgradeable in order to maintain capability against evolving global threats.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman.