WASHINGTON, May 2, 2016 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to France for Hellfire Missiles and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $30 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 29, 2016.

The Government of France previously requested the potential sale of one hundred twelve (112) AGM-114K1A Hellfire Missiles, one hundred two (102) AGM-114N1A Hellfire Missiles, fifty (50) ATM-114Q1A Hellfire Training Missiles. Non-MDE consists of four (4) Hellfire Missile Mock-Up Sectional Models, four (4) Hellfire II AGM-114N Warhead Mock-Ups, thirty (30) Hellfire M36-E4 Training Missiles, sixty (60) Hellfire M60 Dummy Missiles, M299 Launcher Spare Parts (O and I Level), Hellfire Missile Spare Parts (O and I Level), M36-E4 Training Missile Spare Parts (O and I Level), Integrated Logistics Support Hardware Equipment, Training, U.S. Government Technical Assistance, one hundred (100) Dome Covers, three (3) Hellfire AGM-114K1A Warhead Sections, three (3) Hellfire AGM-114N1 Warhead Sections, thirty (30) LSS Simulators, three (3) AN-205Bs, forty-four (44) IRIS, three (3) Calibration Cables, AN-205B Test Equipment Spare Parts, AGM-114N1 Warheads without Electronic Safe, Arm and Fire Device, thirteen (13) AGM-114K1A Main Warheads with No Control Interface Group, thirteen (13) AGM-114K1A Precursors, Hellfire Tripod Launcher with Launch Control without Laser, Technical Data Documentation, Publications, Repair and Return Services, Classified Technical Data Package, Unanticipated and Unprogrammed Requirements, sixteen (16) Hellfire II AGM-114K1A Missile Sleeves, Hellfire M60 Dummy Missile Spare Parts, sixty (60) M34 Hellfire Training Missile, and Conversion Services for M34 Dummy Missiles. The MDE value of these items was $20 million; the total implemented value of the initial case and amendments was $42 million.

Of the items listed above, France has already received (via a below Congressional threshold-level FMS case, FR-B-WAA) one-hundred and twelve (112) AGM-114K1A Hellfire Missiles, one hundred two (102) AGM-114N1A Hellfire Missiles, fifty (50) ATM-114Q1A Hellfire Training Missiles, Hellfire Missile conversion kits, blast fragmentation sleeves and installation kits, containers, and transportation.

France has requested that this existing FMS case, FR-B-WAA, be amended with the possible sale of two-hundred (200) AGM-114K1A Hellfire Missiles, Hellfire Missile conversion, blast fragmentation sleeves and installation kits, containers, and transportation. The estimated MDE cost in this amendment is $25 million. The total estimated cost is $30 million.

As the amendment requested by France will raise the value of FR-B-WAA over the Congressional notification threshold, this transmittal notifies what will be the total quantities and value of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with this proposed amendment. The estimated cost of MDE is $45 million. The total estimated cost is $72 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the capability of a NATO ally. France is a major political and economic power in Europe and a key democratic partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist France to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The additional missiles will meet France's operational requirements for a precision guided tactical missile for its Tigre Attack Helicopter. The purchase will directly support French forces actively engaged in operations in Mali and Northern Africa, providing them the capability to successfully engage targets with minimal collateral damage. France will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

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

There is no principal contractor for this sale as the missiles are coming from U.S. Army stock. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in France.

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.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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