Norway to Buy Two C-130J-30 Aircraft in Possible $300 Million Deal

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress Jun. 7of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Norway for 2 C-130J-30 United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft and associated parts, equipment, logistical support and training for an estimated cost of $300 million.

The Government of Norway has requested a possible sale of 2 C-130J-30 United States Air Force (USAF) baseline aircraft, 9 Rolls Royce AE2100D3 Engines (8 installed and 1 spare), countermeasure systems, aircraft modifications, Government Furnished Equipment, communication equipment and support, tools and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $300 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally. Norway has been a strong partner in coalition operations in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan, and has provided support in the Balkans, the Baltics, and the NATO training mission in Iraq (NTM-I). Norwegian efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests.

Norway intends to use these aircraft in support of NATO-International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) missions in Afghanistan. Norway needs these aircraft to fulfill national and international airlift commitments and requirements, and to increase its capability to provide intra-theater lift for its forces. These aircraft will also increase Norway’s ability to assist in disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and military deployments in the future. The Royal Norwegian Air Force, which already operates C-130Js in Norway and in support of operations worldwide, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft.

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

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin-Aerospace in Marietta, Georgia. There are no known offset agreements 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 Norway.

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.


Source: WASHINGTON - Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) News - 08 June 2012

Photo: The Royal Norwegian Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules "5607" (cn 382-5607). Operated by 335 Squadron. Making a low approach to rwy 22. This aircraft is named Idunn. She was the wife of the Viking god Brage in Norse mythology. Kristiansand Airport Kjevik (KRS) on November 5, 2010. (Photo by Nils Mosberg / flickr)

(8.06.2012)