The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their purchase of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and related equipment.
The estimated total cost is $24.3 billion, the U.S. Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in a statement.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy forty-eight (48) F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing; and forty-nine (49) Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (48 installed, 1 spare).
The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; KIV-78 cryptographic appliques; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; electronic warfare database support; cartridge actuated devices/propellant actuated devices; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; training aids, devices, and spare parts; engine component improvement program; major and minor modifications and maintenance support; classified and unclassified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; transportation, ferry, and refueling support; personnel training and training equipment, including simulators; clothing, textiles, and individual equipment; studies and surveys; site surveys; U.S. Government and engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces. The proposed sale will also augment Saudi Arabia’s operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defense capability. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its Armed Forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, located in Fort Worth, Texas; and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, located in East Hartford, Connecticut. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
Source: U.S Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; File Photo: F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft © Lockheed Martin
