The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale worth approximately $11.2bn to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for multi-mission surface combatant (MMSC) ships, associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress about the possible sale.
Aimed to support Saudi Arabia’s naval modernisation programme, the proposed deal covers the delivery of four MMSC ships that incorporate five COMBATSS-21 combat management systems.
Saudi also requested Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) UPX-29, compact low-frequency active passive variable depth sonar, MK-41 vertical launch systems (VLS), tactical RIM-162 Evolved sea sparrow missiles (ESSM) and AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon ship command launch control systems.
In addition, the Middle East country would receive Harpoon shipboard launchers, RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles and MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM close-in weapon system, RIM 116C block II rolling airframe missiles (RAM), as well as MK-75 76mm OTO Melara gun systems and 48 50-caliber machine guns.
The US will also be responsible for providing other supporting services, including study, design and construction of operations, support and training facilities, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, and communications systems employing Link 16 equipment.
In addition the agreement would include Fire Control System / Ceros 200 Sensor and Illuminator, 20mm Narwhal Gun, Nixie AN/SLQ-25A Surface Ship Torpedo Defense System, MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes, and WBR-2000 Electronic Support Measure and Threat Warning Systems.
Other services include publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
The principal contractor for this proposed deal is Lockheed Martin.
