The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced that a determination has been made approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom for Certifiable Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft, equipment, training, and support.
The United Kingdom has requested a possible sale of up to twenty-six Certifiable Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft; twelve Advanced Ground Control Stations (GCSs); four New Launch and Recovery Element GCSs; four upgrades to existing Blk 15 Launch and Recovery Element GCSs; twenty-five Multi-spectral Targeting Systems; twenty-five AN/APY-8 Lynx IIe Block 20A Synthetic Aperture Radar and Ground Moving Target Indicators (SAR/GMTI); eighty-six Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Guidance Units (EGIs) (3 per aircraft). The sale also includes communications equipment; Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; weapons installation kits; TPE331-10YGD engines; unique and common spares package; support equipment; U.S. Air Force technical orders; country specific technical orders; Contractor Logistics Support for two years; contractor provided aircraft components, spares, and accessories; personnel training; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $1.0 billion.
The UK is a close ally of the U.S. and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues. The proposed sale will enhance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the UK’s capabilities to provide national defense and contribute to NATO and coalition operations.
The sale will improve the UK’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage that enhances homeland security, promotes increased battlefield situational awareness, augments combat search and rescue, and provides ground troop support. The Certifiable Predator B will also be used to support the UK’s armed forces and coalition forces engaged in current and future peacekeeping, peace-enforcing, counter-insurgent, and counterterrorism operations. The UK already operates armed remotely piloted aircraft, the MQ-9 Reaper, allowing for a smooth transition to the Certifiable Predator B .
The principal contractors will be General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in San Diego, California.
