Large Saudi helicopter order

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of:

36 AH-64D Block III APACHE Helicopters
72 UH-60M BLACKHAWK Helicopters
36 AH-6i Light Attack Helicopters
12 MD-530F Light Turbine Helicopters
243 T700-GE-701D Engines
40 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot
Night Vision Sensors
20 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with Radar Electronics Unit
20 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer
171 AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets
171 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets
171 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems
318 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers
40 Wescam MX-15Di (AN/AAQ-35) Sight/Targeting Sensors
40 GAU-19/A 12.7mm (.50 caliber) Gatling Guns
108 Improved Helmet Display Sight Systems
52 30mm Automatic Weapons
18 Aircraft Ground Power Units
168 M240H Machine Guns
300 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles
421 M310 A1 Modernized Launchers
158 M299 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers
2,592 AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles
1,229 AN/PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locators
4 BS-1 Enhanced Terminal Voice Switches
4 Digital Airport Surveillance Radars
4 Fixed-Base Precision Approach Radar
4 DoD Advanced Automation Service
4 Digital Voice Recording System

Also included are trainers, simulators, generators, munitions, design and construction, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organization equipment, tools and test equipment, communication equipment, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, GPS/INS, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $25.6 billion.

This 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 which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The Saudi Arabian National Guard will use the AH-64D for its national security and protecting its borders and oil infrastructure. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the Saudi military ground forces. This sale also will increase the Saudi National Guard’s APACHE sustainability and interoperability with the U.S. Army, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other coalition forces. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be:

The Boeing Company Mesa, Arizona
Lockheed Martin Corporation Orlando, Florida
Sikorsky Aircraft West Palm Beach, Florida
MD Helicopters Mesa Arizona
General Electric Company Cincinnati, Ohio
Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology Owego, New York
Longbow Limited Liability Corporation Orlando, Florida
ITT Aerospace/Communications Fort Wayne, Indiana

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

Implementation of this proposed sale requires the assignment of approximately 900 contractor representatives and 30 U.S. Government personnel on a full time basis in Saudi Arabia for a period of 15 years. Also, this program will require multiple trips to Saudi Arabia involving U.S. government and contractor personnel to participate in annual, technical reviews, training, and one-week Program Reviews in 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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Source: US DSCA