Pakistan Asks for $160M of Tactical Radios

Falcon II Multiband

On November 13, 2006, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Pakistan of $160 million worth of Harris High Frequency/Very High Frequency (HF/VHF) tactical radio systems. The possible sale includes 1,558 20-Watt High Frequency (HF) Man Packs, 2,188 20-Watt HF Vehicular Systems, 175 150-Watt HF Vehicular Systems, ancillary equipment, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics services and other related elements of program support. The prime contractor will be Harris Corporation in Rochester, NY, who enjoyed a good deal of success in the tactical radio market. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The DSCA release [PDF format] notes that “this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be a key ally in the global war on terrorism. The radios will enable Pakistan to improve on its capability to provide current and updated intelligence between patrols and higher headquarters. Also, the radios will increase interoperability between Pakistan and the U.S. and coalition forces assisting in the efforts to curtail and eliminate terrorist activities.”

Which is where things get interesting. As in “it will be interesting to see if there’s any Congressional blowback over the next 30 days, given recent developments”…

$113M to Raytheon to Support U-2 Spy Planes

U-2 “Dragon Lady”

Raytheon Company announced a $113 million follow-on Air Force contract for consolidated field support for all sensors, data links and ground systems related to the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft program. The program includes pre-flight system checks, mission support during flight, and post-mission problem analysis. New system installations and upgrades will also be performed under this effort. This marks the U-2 field support contract’s second option; the original contract was issued by Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, GA (this may be it).

Unfortunately, the program has hit something of a snag…