FMS: Israel Requests up to Four Littoral Combat Ships

Released on Tuesday, July 15, 2008

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of Littoral Combat Ships as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $1.9 billion.

The Government of the Israel has requested a possible sale of up to 4 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS-I variant): Hull, and all mechanical and electrical functions. Each ship will be equipped with: 2 MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems, 8 cells for each system; 1 Close-In-Weapon System, Block 1A, 1 Enhanced HARPOON Launching System with launchers; 2 MK-32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes; Communications and Sensors; Link 16; COMBATSS-21 with SPY-1F(V) and MK-99 Fire Control System; or Ship Self-Defense System. Also includes design and integration services, hardware and software, spare and repair parts, test and tool sets, personnel training and equipment, publications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $1.9 billion. Israel's strategic position makes it vital to the United States' interests throughout the Middle East. It is the policy of the United States to promote Middle East peace, support Israel's commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The Israeli Navy will have no difficulty integrating the capabilities of these ships into its Naval forces. The proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be:

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, NJ; Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Eagan, MN; General Dynamics, Armament Systems, Burlington, VT; Raytheon Company, Equipment Division, Andover, MA; Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Waltham, MA

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 U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the 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.