The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 16 September 2021.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy the continuation of the Maintenance Support Services (MSS) contract that supports the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command’s (RSLFAC) fleet of AH-64D/E, UH-60L, UH-60M, Schweizer 333, and Bell 406CS helicopters, as well as the future fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters.
The MSS contract services include management and installation of engineering change proposals and modification work orders; Repair and Return (R&R) management services and component repairs; aircraft simulator logistics, maintenance and technical support; training; maintenance management support for the RSLFAC headquarters staff; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total value is $500 million.
This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by the continuation of MSS services that will aid in the maintenance support of Saudi Arabia’s rotary wing aircraft fleet, engines, avionics, weapons, and missile components. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The vendor is unknown at this time. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the vendor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two (2) U.S. Government and three hundred fifty (350) U.S. contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for a duration of two (2) years.
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. The description and dollar value is 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 © Wikimedia: Saudi Arabian National Guard AH-64 Apache
