France orders new batch of 214 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - France
 
 
France orders new batch of 214 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to France for Hellfire Missiles and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $30 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on May 2nd, 2016.
     
France orders new batch of 214 AGM 114 Hellfire missiles 640 001The Hellfire can be fired by French Army Light Aviation's (ALAT) Tiger HAD attack helicopters
(Credit: French Ministry of Defence)
     
France previously requested the potential sale of 112 AGM-114K1A Hellfire Missiles, 102 AGM-114N1A Hellfire Missiles, 50 ATM-114Q1A Hellfire Training Missiles. Non-MDE consists of 4 Hellfire Missile Mock-Up Sectional Models, 4 Hellfire II AGM-114N Warhead Mock-Ups, thirty 30 Hellfire M36-E4 Training Missiles, 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, 100 Dome Covers, 3 Hellfire AGM-114K1A Warhead Sections, 3 Hellfire AGM-114N1 Warhead Sections, 30 LSS Simulators, 3 AN-205Bs, 44 IRIS, 3 Calibration Cables, AN-205B Test Equipment Spare Parts, AGM-114N1 Warheads without Electronic Safe, Arm and Fire Device, 13 AGM-114K1A Main Warheads with No Control Interface Group, 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, 16 Hellfire II AGM-114K1A Missile Sleeves, Hellfire M60 Dummy Missile Spare Parts, 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) 112 AGM-114K1A Hellfire Missiles, 102 AGM-114N1A Hellfire Missiles, 50 ATM-114Q1A Hellfire Training Missiles, Hellfire Missile conversion kits, blast fragmentation sleeves and installation kits, containers, and transportation, the DSCA unveiled.

"France has requested that this existing FMS case, FR-B-WAA, be amended with the possible sale of 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," the agency added.

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.

There is no principal contractor for this sale as the missiles are coming from U.S. Army stock.

The Hellfire missile in used on French Army's Tiger HADs, standing for Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction. This version is essentially identical to the HAP version but better suited for operations in hot environments, with 14% more engine power available due to the upgraded Enhanced MTR390 engines (1,000 kW / 1,341 shp) and a better ballistic protection.

 

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