WASHINGTON, Dec 6: The United States has approved the sale of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) with Extended Range and related equipment to Italy, with an estimated cost of USD 301 million.
“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and related equipment for an estimated cost of $301 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress,” the US Department of War’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The Government of Italy has requested to buy 100 AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER).
The estimated total cost is $301 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The sale will enhance Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems for deployment on Italian fighter aircraft, including but not limited to F-35 aircraft. Italy is expected to have no difficulty integrating these articles and services into its armed forces. The Pentagon said that the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The sale will also include the following non-MDE items: JASSM classified test equipment and containers; KGV-135A encryption devices; spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories; repair and return support; weapon system support and software; classified and unclassified software; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; site surveys; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The principal contractor for the sale will be Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. At present, the US Government is not aware of any offset agreements associated with this potential sale; any such agreements will be finalized through negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
The implementation of this sale will not require the deployment of additional US Government or contractor personnel to Italy and is expected to have no adverse impact on US defense readiness. (UNI)
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