KSA requests Patriot Air Defence System with PAC-3 enhancement

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of this possible sale on 30 September, 2014.

Also included are two PAC-3 Telemetry Kits, six Fire Solution Computers, 36 Launcher Station Modification Kits, two Missile Round Trainers, two PAC-3 Slings, six Patriot Automated Logistics Systems Kits, six Shorting Plugs, spare and repair parts, lot validation and range support, ground support equipment, repair and return, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, Quality Assurance Team, US Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.750 billion.

The proposed sale will help replenish Saudi’s current Patriot missiles which are becoming obsolete and difficult to sustain due to age and the limited availability of repair parts. The purchase of PAC-3 missiles will support current and future defence missions and aims to help promote stability within the region. Saudi Arabia, which already has Patriot missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Dallas, Texas; and Raytheon Corporation in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Although offsets are requested, they are unknown at this time and will be determined during negotiations between the KSA and contractor.