FMS: Israel Requests Harpoon and Sidewinder Missiles

Released on Friday, August 24, 2007

WASHINGTON, August 24, 2007 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of Harpoon and Sidewinder missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $163 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 30 RGM-84L BLOCK II HARPOON Anti- Ship missiles with containers and 500 AIM-9M SIDEWINDER Short Range Air-to-Air Infrared Guided missiles, spares and repair parts for support equipment, training, publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $163 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping 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 proposed sale of the missiles will enable Israel to maintain its operational capability and to match similar existing regional capabilities. The proposed sale will not alter the military balance in the region.

Israel has previously purchased both HARPOON and SIDEWINDER missiles and will be able to absorb and effectively utilize the additional missiles.

The principal contractors will be: The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri and Raytheon systems Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. 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 Israel.

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.