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US approves potential $250 million fighter jet sale with Australia, says no impact on readiness

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The US State Department has approved a potential $250 million sale of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft to Australia.
  • The sale aims to support US national security interests by bolstering Australia's self-defense capabilities and interoperability with US forces.
  • Separately, the White House notified Congress of a potential $700 million sale of jet engines to Turkey, a deal facing opposition from some Democratic lawmakers.

The United States has approved a potential $250 million sale of advanced fighter jets to Australia, signaling continued strong defense ties with a key ally in the Western Pacific. The US State Department announced Thursday that the sale includes F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

— US State DepartmentThe department explained the strategic importance of the potential arms sale to Australia.

This potential sale is designed to "support the foreign policy and national security objectives" of the United States, according to a department statement. Officials emphasized that Australia is a crucial ally, whose "strategic location" contributes to regional peace and stability. The department stated it is "vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability."

The US government assured that the deal will not negatively impact regional military balance or US defense readiness. It also noted that no additional US contractors will be stationed in Australia. The proposed sale is expected to enhance Australia's ability to counter current and future threats and improve its interoperability with the US and other allies through comprehensive training programs.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific.

— US State DepartmentThe department highlighted Australia's significance in the region.

In a separate development, the White House informed Congress of its intent to sell jet engines worth an estimated $700 million to Turkey. However, this proposed transaction has drawn criticism from several Democratic lawmakers who oppose rewarding the Turkish government due to concerns over its actions. Representative Chris Pappas of New Hampshire stated, "We cannot reward Erdogan's government while it continues to violate US law and threaten our reliable, democratic allies."

We cannot reward Erdogan's government while it continues to violate US law and threaten our reliable, democratic allies.

— Representative Chris PappasA Democratic lawmaker expressed opposition to the potential jet engine sale to Turkey.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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