FMS: Saudi Arabia Air Force Logistics Support

Released on Monday, October 03, 2005

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of the continuation of contractor, technical services and logistics support for aircraft, aircraft engines, and missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $760 million.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for the continuation of support for F-5, F-15, RF-5, E-3, RE-3, KE-3, and C-130, aircraft; F-100-PW-220/229, J-85, T-56, and CFM-56 aircraft engines; and A/TGM-65 AIM-7 and AIM-9 missiles which have already been delivered to and are being operated by Saudi Arabia; contractor services; maintenance; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; goggles; communication support; precision measuring equipment; personnel training; training equipment; technical support; and contractor engineering; and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $760 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 missile support on this proposed sale is only for repair or maintenance of missiles already delivered to and being operated by Saudi Arabia. They need this maintenance support in order to ensure the combat and operational readiness of U.S.-origin military equipment. The Royal Saudi Air Force will use these support services for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of all their aircraft.

These contractor maintenance and training technical services will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Many contractors provide organizational and intermediate level maintenance and training services to Saudi Arabia. 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 Saudi Arabia.

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.