WASHINGTON, December 21, 2021 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible
Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS),
Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.321 billion. The Defense
Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of France has requested to buy one (1) Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS),
2 launcher configuration; and one (1) Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), 3 engine configuration. Also
included are land-based testing and test spares; shipboard install; testing and certification support; shipboard
spares; peculiar support equipment; government furnished equipment; multi-purpose reconfigurable training
system; operator and maintainer training; integrated electronic technical manuals; drawings and interface
control documents; technical assistance; contractor engineering technical services; and other related elements
of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.321 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to
improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in
Europe.
The proposed sale will result in continuation of interoperability between the United States and France.
EMALS and AAG will be incorporated in France’s next-generation aircraft carrier program. France will have
no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be General Atomics-Electromagnetic Systems Group, San Diego, CA; and
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, VA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in
conjunction with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately (40) U.S. Government and
contractor representatives to France for 10 weeks per year in calendar years 2033-2038, to support shipboard
system installation, commissioning, certification, aircraft compatibility testing, flight deck certification and
sea trials.
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. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated
quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final
requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau
of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.
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