The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Blanket Order Training and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $250 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 30 April 2024.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy additional blanket order training for Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $37 million ($0 in Major Defense Equipment (MDE)), included blanket order training for the RSNF, including: precision targeting, collateral damage reduction, core technical and professional development training, ship repair facility maintainer and language proficiency courses, and professional military education provided by the U.S. Navy. This notification is for the entire blanket order training with an estimated total cost of $250 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself against regional malign actors, support U.S. Navy efforts to enforce freedom of navigation, and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these services into its Armed Forces.
The proposed sale of this support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor(s) will be determined after contract competition and award. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this 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.
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); Logo © Wikipedia)
