The U.S. government approved a possible sale of four Lockheed Martin Corp multi-mission warships to Saudi Arabia, October 20.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the U.S. Congress about the possible sale of a derivative of the US Navy’s Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships, made by Lockheed Martin, and program office support to Saudi Arabia on Oct 19.
This purchase is part of the Saudi Navy’s modernization efforts under the Saudi Naval Expansion Program II, also called SNEP II, which had long been discussed and prepared by U.S. and Saudi Arabian experts.
According to an announcement issued by the DSCA the sale would include four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of 11.25 billion dollars.
In addition to the ships, Saudi Arabia is purchasing ESSM missiles, Harpoon Ship Command Launch Systems, RGM 84 Harpoon Block Missiles and machine guns, among others.
This extensive sale will also include engineering operations, training facilities, spare and repair parts and communications equipment.
Image: US Navy