The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System Aircraft Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $582 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 04 December 2023.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy aircraft hardware and software modifications and support to replenish and modernize its RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System (TASS) aircraft, including: seven (7) Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) (EGI) security devices, Airborne, with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) or M-Code capability, and five (5) L3Harris BlackRock Communications Intelligence Sensor Suites. Also included are KY-100M narrowband/wideband secure communications terminals; KIV-77 MODE 4/5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) cryptographic appliques; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; integrated electronic intelligence (ELINT)/signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems; L-3 Communication Systems-West (CSW) multiband receivers/transmitters; ARC-210 radios; high frequency (HF) radios; secure communications equipment; precision navigation and cryptographic devices; aircraft support and support equipment; test and integration support; equipment; spare and repair parts; consumables and accessories; repair and return support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $582 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving Saudi Arabia’s surveillance capability to counter current and future regional threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. forces and other Gulf Region partners. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be L3 Technologies, Greenville, Texas. 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.
The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.
Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA); File Photo: Royal Saudi Air Force RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System (TASS) Aircraft © flickr
