US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, On 3 October 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for the continuation of the United States supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) by providing Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and non-MDE items as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $918 million.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for the continuation of the United States supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) by providing Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and non-MDE items:
Major Defense Equipment (MDE)
–144 Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicles
–12 Water Cannon Vehicles
–52 Command and Control Vehicles
–17 Ambulance and Evacuation Vehicles
–36 Platoon Command Vehicles
–55,500 40mm Ammunition
–3,600 F-2000 5.56mm Assault Rifles with 40mm Grenade Launchers
–51,400 F-2000 5.56mm Assault Rifles without 40mm Grenade Launchers
–198 AN/VRC-90E SINCGARS Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems
SANG has invited General Dynamics Land Systems, Australian Defense Industries, Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer (a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation), and BAE (Alvis) to present candidate systems, for the vehicles listed above, to the SANG for testing evaluation in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the SANG source selection will be based on the results of this test and evaluation process.
Non-MDE Vehicles
–104 _-ton trucks
–6 pick-up trucks
–16 patrol trucks
–48 10-ton trucks
–12 5-ton trucks w/winch
–63 5-ton trucks
–6 refrigeration trucks
–16 11,000-gallon fuel tankers
–8 9,000-gallon water tankers
–8 16,500-gallon water tankers
–6 executive automobiles
–8 26-passenger buses
–24 60-passenger buses
–6 tire demounter trucks
–9 25-ton wreckers
–6 mobile workshop trucks
–6 mobile lubrication trucks
–4 5-ton dump trucks
11 mobile command trucks
Note: All U. S. standard commercial/non-tactical vehicles or other commercial equivalents.
Non-MDE
–Battery Chargers
–172 Harris Corporation RF-5000v 125W High Frequency (HF) or Current Production Version Commercial HF Radios
–180 M24 7.62 Sniper Weapon System (scope is integrated) or commercial equivalent
–265 Motorola Commercial Very HF Single or Multi-Channel Handheld Radios or other commercial equivalents
–323 12 Gauge Shotguns or commercial equivalent
–Ballistic Protection
–Batons
–Contractor engineering and technical support
–Generators
–Personnel training
–Protective Clothing and Equipment
–Publications
–Shop Equipment
–Spare and repair parts
–Sets, Kits, and Outfits (assemblages of components in a container (pouch, box, chest, van, trailer, or shelter) primarily designed to accomplish a specific mission)
–Sights and Scopes (the scope is for the M24 Sniper Weapon System which is an integral component of the weapon system)
–Standard simulations and training systems to include: Multiple Integrated Laser Emitting System, Engagement Skills Trainer for marksmanship training, and the Battle Staff Automated Training System
–Support Equipment to include Mobile Workshops
–Training devices
–Training equipment
–Other related elements of program support
The estimated cost is $918 million.
The proposed sale coupled with the training, assistance, and advice provided by the U.S. 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 the 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 modernize equipment and provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGAR radios the 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:
–Fabrique Nationale Herstal, USA McLean, Virginia
–ITT Aerospace/Communications Fort Wayne, Indiana
–Harris Corporation Rochester, New York
–Motorola Corporation Schaumburg, Illinois
There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
At present, there are approximately 219 U.S. Government personnel and 541 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.
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