FMS: Spain Request the Sale of Two AEGIS Weapon Systems

Released on Friday, August 03, 2007

WASHINGTON, August 3, 2007 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Spain of MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $780 million.

The Government of Spain has requested a possible sale of two MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems; two MK 41 Baseline VII Vertical Launch Systems; and two MK 45 MOD 2 5" Gun Mounts. Non-MDE includes: AN/SLQ-25A Torpedo Countermeasure System; UHF SATCOM Terminal; AN/WSN-7, Ring Laser Gyro; AN/ARR-75, Radio Receiving Set; Aviation Support System; MK III Shipboard System Light Airborne; Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS); AN/BQN-7A, Bathythermograph Set; AN/WSN-8A, Digital Electromagnetic Log; Common Data Link Management System (CDLMS)/Command and Control Processor (C2P); Multifunctional Information Distribution System on Ships; MK 162 MOD 1 Shipboard Gridlock System; Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI)/Global Positioning System; AN/SLA- 10B, Video Blanking Equipment. Also included are system integration and testing, communications and support equipment, computer programs and maintenance support, ship integration, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical data, training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $780 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of Spain and enhancing standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. This proposed sale will improve the Spanish Navy's ability to participate in coalition operations, provide common logistical support with the U.S. Navy, and enhance the lethality of its new frigate program. Spain will have no difficulty absorbing these additional AEGIS systems into its armed forces.

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 Maritime System and Sensors, Moorestown, New Jersey Raytheon Company, Equipment Division, Andover, Massachusetts General Dynamics, Armament Systems, Burlington, Vermont Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Eagan, Minnesota

Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but are undetermined at this time, and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

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

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.