Aug 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved

the potential sale of MC-55A aircraft-related equipment to

Australia for $404 million, the Pentagon said in a statement on

Wednesday.

The principal contractor for the sale is L3Harris ( LHX ).

"The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to

maintain its fleet of MC-55A aircraft that enhances its ability

to conduct effective air operations and supports U.S. operations

in the region," the Pentagon said.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil and Bhargav Acharya;)