(Tribune News Service) — The U.S. State Department has signed off on the potential sale of military hardware to Australia valued at an estimated $2 billion, including fighter jet spare parts.

Australia had asked to buy equipment and services for its Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, and the electronic attack aircraft EA-18G Growler which can disrupt, deceive or deny a broad range of military electronic systems.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale.

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific,” the Pentagon said. “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.” Boeing is the principal contractor of the proposed sale, the Pentagon said.

The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, the statement said. It will, however, improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats, it added. “It will also improve Australia’s capability to support coalition operations and contribute to mutual security goals in the region. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces,” the statement added.

The U.S. has been Australia’s key strategic ally since World War II.

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