US approves $11.9bn Integrated Combat System sale to Germany

The US Department of State has authorised a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Germany, which includes Integrated Combat Systems and related support, valued at approximately $11.9bn.

Germany seeks to procure eight AEGIS-based Integrated Combat System MK 6 MOD X computing infrastructures, along with eight AN/SPY-6(V)1 S-Band radars, eight MK 41 Baseline VIII Vertical Launch Systems, and eight sets of Cooperative Engagement Capability.

The deal also covers eight GPS-based Positioning Navigation and Timing Service sets, nine Command and Control Processors, ten Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems on Ship Modernisation systems, nine MK 45 gun mounts, three AN/SLQ-32(V)6 Electronic Warfare systems, eight sets of AN/SPQ-9B radar systems, and eight AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigation Systems.

In addition, the package includes non-major defence equipment elements such as the Integrated Combat System computer programme, Global Command and Control Systems for Maritime use, Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex Systems, MK 99 MOD 14 Fire Control System radars, MK 38 MOD 4 Gun Weapon Systems, and components for the MK 34 Gun Weapon System.

Lockheed Martin and RTX have been named as the principal contractors for this potential transaction.

According to the US Department of State, support and training will be provided via US government and contractor services, as well as deliveries of both classified and unclassified software.

This proposed sale will strengthen German maritime forces capability to address both current and future threats, the Department added.

Last November, the State Department cleared another potential Foreign Military Sale to Germany, involving Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I and Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIIC systems and associated equipment, with an estimated value of $3.5bn.