Modernization of the Saudi Arabian National Guard Continues

US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for the continued effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG). The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $84 million. 
 
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for the continuation of the United States supported effort to modernize the SANG by providing Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and non-MDE items:
 
552 AN/VRC-90E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems;  
 
225 AN/VRC-92E SINCGARS Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems Dual Long Range;  
 
1,214 AN/PRC-119 E SINCGARS Man-pack Single Long-Range Radio Systems Man-pack, and 
 
vehicular installation kits, communications management system computers, antennas, programmable fill devices, support equipment; publications and technical data; personnel training and training equipment; contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $84 million. 
 
The proposed sale coupled with the training, assistance, and advice provided by the United States Government through the Office of the Program Manager SANG will serve to make a key regional ally and partner in the Global War on Terror more capable of defeating those who would threaten regional stability and less reliant on the deployment of U.S. combat forces to maintain or restore stability in the Middle East. 
 
The SANG needs these defense articles so that it can effectively conduct security and counter-terrorism operations. The continuation of services under the SANG Modernization Program is an evolution of the SANG as an effective defensive force with the advice, assistance, and training of the U.S. Army. The Modernization Program ensures necessary training, logistics, support, doctrine development and force integration for the continuing expansion and use of their weapon systems. These services will remain the cornerstone of an effort to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure of the SANG organization. 
 
The proposed sale will also provide SANG with additional command, control, and communications equipment needed to operate in a secure communications environment that will facilitate the performance of its mission within Saudi Arabia. It is consistent with the National Command Authority's intent for stability in the Central Command Area of Operation. The radios will provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGARS radios SANG already has fielded in its Light Armored Vehicle and Light Infantry Brigades. 
 
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. Saudi Arabia is capable of absorbing and maintaining this additional MDE equipment in its inventory. 
 
The principal contractors will be:  
 
ITT Aerospace/Communications Fort Wayne, Indiana 
Harris Corporation Rochester, New York 
Northrop Grumman Corporation Linthicum, Maryland 
 
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 
 
At present, there are approximately 250 U.S. Government personnel and 630 contractor representatives in country supporting the SANG modernization program. 
 
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. 
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.