U.S. proposes to sell Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, engines, and advanced airborne equipment to Israel in $1B FMS

WASHINGTON, 24 Jan. 2014. Israel Defense Forces want to purchase six Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for special operations and search-and-rescue missions. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress 13 January 2014 of a roughly $1.13 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel for V-22B Block C Aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support. Congress has two weeks, or until 27 Jan. 2014, to object to the sale.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Government of Israel (GOI) wishes to purchase: 6 V-22B Block C Aircraft, 16 Rolls Royce AE1107C Engines, 6 AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver Systems, 6 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Systems, 6 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 6 AN/APX-123 Identification Friend or Foe Systems, 6 AN/ARN-153 Tactical Airborne Navigation Systems, 6 AN/ARN-147 Very High Frequency (VHF) Omni-directional Range (VOR) Instrument Landing System (ILS) Beacon Navigation Systems, 6 Multi-Band Radios, 6 AN/APN-194 Radar Altimeters, 6 AN/ASN-163 Miniature Airborne Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers (MAGR), 36 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles, Joint Mission Planning System, support and test equipment, software, repair and return, aircraft ferry services, tanker support, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other elements of technical and program support. The estimated cost is $1.13 billion.

The Pentagon’s notice to Congress reads:

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

“The proposed sale of V-22B aircraft will enhance and increase the Israel Defense Forces’ search and rescue and special operations capabilities. The V-22B provides the capability to move personnel and equipment to areas not accessible by fixed wing lift assets. The GOI will have no difficulty absorbing this technology into its current aircraft inventory.

“The proposed sale of these aircraft will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

“The principal contractors involved with this proposed sale will be Bell and Boeing in California, MD via a joint venture arrangement with final aircraft assembly occurring in Amarillo, Texas. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of up to thirty (30) U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

“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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.”