United States Department of Defense News Release On the web: Media contact: +1 (703) 697-5131 Public contact: http://www.dod.mil/faq/comment.html or +1 (703) 428-0711

The government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for the continuation of the U.S. supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) to include 1,827 TOW 2A missiles; 27 lot acceptance missiles; 104 AN/VRC-90, 45 AN/VRC-92, and 59 AN/PRC-119 advanced tactical communication systems; 21 secure remote sets; five very high frequency RT-1702E receiver transmitter modules; and 132 various Light Armored Vehicles. Also to be included are test and support equipment, adapters, radio, kits, vehicular intercom system, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, field service representatives, contractor engineering and technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $416 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia will use these TOW 2A missiles to augment their current TOW missile inventory as well as use them with the currently fielded missile launchers thereby developing an surface-to-surface anti-armor defense capability. The proposed sale will provide the SANG with the modern command control communications needed to provide security throughout the region. It is consistent with the National Command Authority's intent for stability in the U.S. Central Command area of operation. The radios will modernize equipment and provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGAR radios SANG already has fielded in their light armored vehicle and light infantry brigades. The RT-170E receiver transmitter modules will be utilized as direct exchange components to maintain fleet operational readiness.

The principal contractors will be Diesel Division, General Motors of London, Ontario, and Raytheon Corp., Tucson, Ariz. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Contractor representatives representing varying technical skills and disciplines will be required to provide in-country support for an extended period of time. The specific requirements for this support will be definitized during program definition between representatives of the U.S. government and the purchaser.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

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