U.S. defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are the lead contractors in the proposed $1.7b sale of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile system to Saudi Arabia, following a request for approval by the Pentagon.
The development is the latest in recent weeks indicating a strengthening of U.S.-Saudi ties as the two countries coordinate security efforts to counter the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq and Syria.
“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a Patriot Air Defense System with PAC-3 enhancement and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.750 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 30, 2014,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
Lockheed Martin describes the system as the “world’s most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defense missile. It defeats the entire threat: tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles and aircraft.”
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 202 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC) -3 Missiles with containers, and 1 Guidance Enhanced Missile (GEM) Flight Test Target/Patriot as a Target. Also included are 2 PAC-3 Telemetry Kits, 6 Fire Solution Computers, 36 Launcher Station Modification Kits, 2 Missile Round Trainers, 2 PAC-3 Slings, 6 Patriot Automated Logistics Systems Kits, 6 Shorting Plugs, spare and repair parts, lot validation and range support, ground support equipment, repair and return, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, Quality Assurance Team, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.750 billion,” the DSCA said.
Reuters reports that “Lawmakers have 30 days to block the deal,” but notes that “such action is rare….If the deal is finalized, Saudi Arabia would become the eighth country to order PAC-3 missiles, joining the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and Kuwait.”
