Canada - AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure Systems

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Media/Public Contact
Charles Taylor (703) 601-3859 / Paul Ebner (703) 601-3670
Transmittal No
10-42

WASHINGTON, September 15, 2010 -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 13, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of 8 AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure Systems (DIRCMs) as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $72 million.

The Government of Canada has requested a possible sale of 8 AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasure Systems (DIRCMs), which consist of: 16 Small Laser Transmitter Assemblies (SLTA), 54 Missile Approach Warning Sensors AAR-54(V) (MAWS), 11 AN/AAQ-24(V) Processors, 12 AN/AAQ-24(V) Control Indicator Units, and 21 AAQ-24(V) Smart Cards; 2 SLTA, additional spare components which consist of 6 AAR-54(V) (MAWS), 1 AN/AAQ-24(V) Processors, 1 AN/AAQ-24(V) Control Indicator Units, and 4 AN/AAQ-24(V) Smart Cards; support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government (USG) and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $72 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in North America.

The upgrade of Canada’s CH-47F CHINOOK helicopters with the DIRCM system will allow Canada to use this capability to enhance the survivability of its aircraft and crew for its medium-high lift helicopter (MHLH) mission at home and abroad. The upgraded CH-47F helicopters will be used during deployments into Afghanistan supporting coalition goals and U.S. national objectives. Canada, which already has AN/AAQ-24(V) systems as part of its CC177 (C-17 equivalent) fleet, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional systems.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be the Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. 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 Canada.

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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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