News

562nd CBSS helps develop, sustain coalition partner relations

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  While members working in electronic warfare in the 562nd Combat Sustainment Squadron are primarily focused on keeping our warfighters safe, they are also looking out of the safety and protection of foreign military coalition partners.

The 562nd CBSS is in the business of foreign military sales. About 100 people in the squadron help supply foreign militaries with better technology and equipment for their fighter, cargo and support aircraft. Currently, they have 40 contracts, or cases, involving 28 countries.

The cases comprise about $730 million in contract face value.

Col. Stan VanderWerf, 542nd Combat Sustainment Group commander, said the money generated through sales is a positive outcome, but it is secondary to the real benefit - developing long-term relationships with coalition partners.

"Helping our partners offers tremendous value," the colonel said. "We're able to build and strengthen long-lasting friendships, which is important since these are our closest allies and they are right there with us when there is conflict."

He said some of the most challenging EW foreign military sales cases are in direct support of ongoing CENTCOM operations.

"Iraq, one of our newest coalition partners, has a growing Air Force that needs EW self protection and sometimes the requirements are urgent. We are very active in this arena," Colonel VanderWerf said.

Although foreign military sales do not necessarily generate a profit for the Air Force, they do have a self-sustaining impact. According to Tim Holt, chief engineer for the 562nd CBSS, 100 percent of the salaries of 562nd CBSS employees are paid by case funds.

The process for selling electronic warfare technology to allied countries is fairly involved, with many different organizations playing a role.

Teams work together to negotiate an agreement with foreign military leaders, often from more than one country. Working with multiple countries jointly helps keep costs down.

Another way for foreign militaries to keep electronic warfare affordable is to look to the Air Force for technology that has already been developed and is being used. Buying items the Air Force has already invested in helps reduce costs dramatically.

"Electronic warfare is important but it's expensive," Mr. Holt said. "There is a major cost savings for militaries when they can purchase equipment or technology that has already been developed and tested, and has been proven to be effective."

Jon Huguley, director of the logistics flight for foreign military sales, said selling equipment and technology to foreign countries is possible due to the great relationships the Air Force has developed within the industry.

"The 562nd has developed exceptional industry relationships over the years with every major electronic warfare defense contractor in the U.S. and this has paid off in helping deliver quality products to our international customers," Mr. Huguley said.

Not every request made by a foreign country is granted, however. One of the most important elements of the process is measuring any possible risks in providing electronic warfare technology to other countries, which may not have the same safeguards in place as the United States.

"Before we engage in negotiations with another country, requests are fully vetted," Colonel VanderWerf said. "The Pentagon reviews all requests to determine if they are appropriate and feasible."

Colonel VanderWerf said sales don't solely benefit foreign countries.

"It flows in both directions," he said. "Many times, in working with foreign countries, especially those with a mature military, we learn of technology that we feel could benefit our military and we work towards acquiring it for the protection of our forces."

He said by providing coalition partners with self-protection capability keeps them safer in conflict and also enhances the ability to share equipment in joint operations.

In addition to selling equipment and technology, the 562nd CBSS also has the capacity to design unique equipment. Workers recently developed the Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite, or AIDEWS, for several countries.

The system is not used on Air Force aircraft, but was designed specifically for Chile, Poland, Pakistan, Oman and Turkey.

"The men and women of the 562nd are a key part of a large Air Force-wide team that strengthens our coalitions and help keep our nation safe," Colonel Vanderwerf said. "Those great people are what make this happen; I'm very proud of them."