US State Department approves $500m military sale to Saudi Arabia

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to continue providing missile system support services in Saudi Arabia.

At an estimated cost of $500m, the possible sale was requested by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has been approved by the US State Department.

The deal includes the probable delivery of continued participation, technical assistance and support in the Patriot Legacy Field Surveillance Programme (FSP), the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) FSP and the Patriot Engineering Services Programme (ESP).

Saudi Arabia has also requested for the possible acquisition of spare parts for the Patriot and HAWK missile system, as well as repair and return management services, component repairs and other related elements of logistics and programme support.

The possible deal will support the US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to strengthen the security of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to maintain the basic military balance in the region.

Lockheed Martin in Bethesda, Maryland and Raytheon Company in Andover, Massachusetts have been cited as the potential principal contractors.

Raytheon will carry out the possible delivery of the ESP and Lockheed Martin will be responsible for the maintenance of the FSP.