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On 20 November 2003, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of modernization support services for the Saudi Arabian National Guard as well as associated equipment. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $990 million.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of services for the continuation of the U.S. supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) by providing minor defense articles including spare and repair parts for V150 armored vehicles, light armored vehicles, artillery pieces, communications equipment, other military equipment, medical equipment and medicines, automation equipment and software for logistics, training, and management, translated (into Arabic) tactical and technical manuals.
Defense services transferred would include training, professional military advice and assistance, management assistance, contract administration, construction oversight, transportation of equipment, upper echelon maintenance, management of repair and return of components. These support services would be for the period 1 January 2004 through 31 December 2008. This proposed sale does not entail the procurement of Major Defense Equipment. The estimated cost is $990 million.
This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
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.
This proposed sale of continuing support services will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor is the Vinnell Arabia Corporation of Fairfax, Virginia. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
At present, there are approximately 273 U.S. Government personnel and 1,171 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. |
