TSAMTO, November 17. The US State Department has approved the potential supply of advanced AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air guided missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia.
The full value of the agreement under the "Foreign Military Sales" program may amount to $650 million.
The DoD Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the planned sale on November 4.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has asked the United States about the possibility of acquiring up to 280 AIM-120C-7/C-8 AMRAAM and 596 LAU-128 rail launchers. The request also includes containers, weapons support and auxiliary equipment, spare parts and assemblies, engineering, logistics and technical support from the contractor and the US government, as well as other related material support elements.
As stated, "the implementation of this program is in line with the interests of US foreign policy and national security and will enhance the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."
The notification notes that the delivery of the requested missiles will increase the capabilities of Saudi Arabia to counter existing and future threats by increasing the stocks of medium-range missiles for fighters in service. The sale will support the Typhoon, F-15C/D, F-15S and F-I5SA aircraft equipping programs and strengthen cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Raytheon was chosen as the main contractor for the delivery. The buyer usually requests the implementation of a compensation program, the terms of which will be determined during further negotiations between the buyer and the contractor.
The notice of sale is published in accordance with the requirements of American law and does not mean that contracts for the sale of the specified equipment in the requested volume will necessarily be concluded.
