The US State Department has approved a possible US$2.8 billion foreign military sale of logistics and sustainment systems to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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The US Congress was notified of the possible sale of system logistics and sustainment support and related elements of logistics and program support by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)on 23 July.
The possible sale includes follow-on logistics support and services, Joint Mission Planning Software hardware and support, KIV-77/78 cryptographic devices and support, spares and repair parts, consumables and accessories, repair and return support, calibration support and test equipment, ground and personnel equipment, classified and unclassified software and software support, classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.
The sale involves elements of logistics and program support in support of KC-130J, C-130, E-3, RE-3, KE-3, KA 350, Bell 212, and Bell 412 aircraft.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the DSCA said.
“The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by providing sustainment and training support of the Royal Saudi Air Force’s existing platforms and aircraft fleets.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and these services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“There will be various contractors associated with the provision of equipment and services involved with this case, and there is no prime contractor. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
“The implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of a small number of additional long-term US government or contractor representatives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”