FMS: Chile Seeks LAU-129/A Launchers and F-16 MLU Support

Released on Thursday, September 28, 2006

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Chile of LAU-129/A launchers and support for F-16 Mid-Life Updated aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $ 123 million.

The Government of Chile has requested a possible sale for 28 LAU-129/A launchers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, program support, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related elements of program support for F-16 Mid-Life Update aircraft. The estimated cost is $123 million.

The proposed 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 South America. Chile has deployed forces to numerous different peacekeeping operations around the world and plays a significant role in Haiti. Chile firmly supports our current efforts in the Global War on Terror. Its willingness to deploy to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations while U.S. forces are occupied elsewhere has had a significant impact on regional, political, and economic stability and serves U.S. national security interests.

Chile is modernizing its antiquated Air Force fleet. As the Chilean Air Force equips these aircraft so that they can launch modern missiles and become operational, it plans to retire its entire French Mirage aircraft fleet.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: Lockheed Martin Fort Worth, Texas; Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Chile.

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.