State approves sale of ‘interim’ Super Hornets, estimates cost at US5.23B
OTTAWA — The U.S. State Department has told Congress that it doesn’t have any concerns about the possible sale of 18 Super Hornet fighter jets to Canada, which it estimates will cost around US$5.23 billion.
The price tag includes weapons, spare parts, training, software and other costs associated with putting the jets into service, but not upgrades to hangars or long-term support and maintenance.
The figure, which works out to around CAD$6.37 billion at current exchange rates, is contained in a formal notification to Congress published Tuesday.
Such notifications are legally required before the U.S. can sell military gear to another country. Congress now has 15 days to review the potential deal and if no objections are raised, it is considered approved.