The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for 36 M777A2 Howitzers, 54 M119A2 Howitzers, 6 AN/TPQ-36(V) Fire Finder Radar Systems, 24 Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS), 17,136 rounds M107 155mm High Explosive (HE) ammunition, 2,304 rounds M549 155mm Rocket Assisted Projectiles (RAPs), 60 M1165A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Vehicles (HMMWVs), 120 M1151A1 HMMWVs, 252 M1152A1 HMMWVs, Export Single Channel Ground And Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), electronic support systems, 105mm ammunition, various wheeled/tracked support vehicles, spare and repair parts, technical manuals and publications, translation services, training, USG and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The estimated cost is $886 million.
The proposed sale will augment the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's existing light artillery capabilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which already has 155mm and 105mm howitzers and support vehicles and equipment in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional howitzers into its armed forces.
Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency - DSCA
For more information, check Al-Defaiya Issue #5/2011
