The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) of UHF SATCOM radio systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $65 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The NCIA has requested to buy 517 AN/PRC-158 Manpack UHF SATCOM radio systems.  Also included are crypto fill devices, man-portable ancillaries, vehicular ancillaries, deployed Headquarter ancillaries, power support, and operator and maintenance training and other related elements of program, technical and logistics support. The total estimated program cost is $65 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by helping to improve the security of NATO allies and partner nations that are an important force for ensuring peace and stability in Europe.

This proposed sale will ensure NATO warfighters have access to the latest C3I systems and technologies, and will be interoperable with U.S. forces.  An updated UHF TACSAT radios in the hands of NATO allies and partners will offer significant C3I capabilities at all echelons, from the operational level down to the lowest small unit tactical formation. These capabilities increase secure communication effectiveness and efficiency and enhance military decision making. NCIA will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

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

The prime contractor will be Collins Aerospace, Cedar Rapids, IA.  There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require one or two contractor representatives to travel to the specified NATO country to conduct the Operator and Maintenance OCONUS for a period of two months.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.