The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approves foreign military
sales (FMS) or a direct commercial sale (DCS)of aircraft, engines,
weapons, support equipment, training etc from US manufacturers. DSCA
delivers its documents (approval) to the US Congress. After the approval
process has been completed the contracts with the authority of the
requesting country can be signed:
FMS: the contract will be signed with the DSCA *.
DCS: the contract will be signed with the manufacturer.
Approvals are related to new aircraft, remanufactured aircraft (examples
CH-47F, AH-64E) or the sale of aircraft withdrawn from service (used) by
the US armed service. These aircraft are flown to the
309th AMARG for storage and can be offered
for sale (example the sale of OH-58D Kiowa helicopters to Croatia and
Greece).
*: the manufacturer will be awarded a contract by the Department of
Defense. This can either be a sole contract or included in contract
awarded for the US Air Force, US Navy/Marines or US Army. Examples are
orders made on behalf of the F-35 Joint Program Office which orders the
F-35s for the US armed forces, international partners and FMS
participants. Also orders for the P-8A Poseidon are made for both US
Navy and FMS countries.
Aircraft ordered through FMS are delivered to the USAF, USN / USMC or USAR
and receive that service registration number (serial or buno). Aircraft
purchased through DCS will receive a FAA issued registration (N
number). |
