The US State Department has approved to Saudi Arabia of 155mm M109A5/A6 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer structures for conversion to M109A6 Paladin Howitzer systems for an estimated cost of $1.31 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Friday.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 180 155mm M109A5/A6 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer structures for conversion to 177 155mm M109A6 Paladin Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer systems; three Fire Support Combined Arms Tactical Trainers (FSCATT) static training devices; 180 M2 HB .50 Cal Machine Guns; and eight Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS).
Also included are M109A5/A6 overhaul, conversion and refurbishment services; Special Tools and Test Equipment; Basic Issue Items (BII); Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE) Wide system; Program Management Support; Verification Testing; System Technical Support; Transportation; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; personnel training and training equipment; tool and test equipment; repair and return; publications and technical documentation; Quality Assurance Team (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which has been and continues to be a leading contributor of political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This sale will increase the Royal Saudi Land Force's (RSLF) interoperability with US forces and conveys US commitment to Saudi Arabia's security and armed forces modernization.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its border regions and critical infrastructure. The RSLF currently has M109A2, A3 and A5 howitzers in its inventory. These additional modernized howitzers will enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to support its deployed forces and defend its borders. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these vehicles into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
An Indian expatriate was hurt when Yemeni rebel forces fired a ballistic missile at a Saudi Arabian National Guard base in the kingdoms southern Najran region. Aden based Al-Masirah television reported Saturday identifying the missile as the short-range Badr-1
Boeing signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) yesterday to develop a joint venture (JV) aiming to localize more than 55% of the maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) services for fixed and rotary-wing military aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The agreement will also transfer technology to install weaponry on these aircraft as well as localize the supply chain for spare parts in the Kingdom
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of TOW 2B (BGM-71F-Series) missiles, made by Raytheon, for an estimated cost of $670 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today
The UK Government has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to aim to finalise discussions for the purchase of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft worth an estimated US$16 billion. The Memorandum was signed during the high profile visit of Saudi Crown Prince Salman to London earlier this week
Turkeys Defense Technologies Engineering and Trade Inc. (STM) is promoting locally made lightweight Kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles to Saudi Arabia during an on-going global defense fair held in the capital of Riyadh
The U.S
Kelvin Hughes has been selected by bridge integrator OSI Maritime Systems Ltd (OSI) to supply a number of SharpEye solid-state naval radar sensors for installation on board Lockheed Martins LCS 27 and four LCS-based Multi Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) vessels for Saudi Arabia. Working closely with OSI, Kelvin Hughes is providing the X band and S Band SharpEye sensors for integration into an IMO-approved OSI Bridge and Navigation system
Saudi Arabia has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Spanish firm Navantia S.A
Boeing has been awarded a $64 million worth contract to restart the stand-off land attack missile - expanded response (SLAM-ER) production line in support of the government of Saudi Arabia, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday. Boeing is also required to provide the redesign of obsolete, nearly obsolete, or uneconomical parts to support production and improve future sustainment of SLAM-ER, the statement says
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