WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS II) and related equipment, with an estimated total value of $1.96 billion. The proposed sale is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia's homeland defense, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
The U.S. government said the proposed sale supports its foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of Saudi Arabia, a Major non-NATO Ally, which it described as a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.
Package Includes 20,000 APKWS II Guidance Sections
Saudi Arabia has requested the purchase of up to 20,000 APKWS II laser-guided guidance sections, consisting of:
- Up to 10,000 APKWS II air-to-air guidance sections
- Up to 10,000 APKWS II air-to-ground guidance sections
The proposed package also includes a range of non-major defense equipment and support items, including:
- LAU-131 A/A launchers
- Mk-152 high-explosive warheads
- MK66 rocket motors
- Inert MK66 rocket motors
- Proximity fuzes
- WTU-1/B practice warheads
- Test support equipment
- Launch and employment equipment
- Spare and repair parts
- Publications and technical documentation
- Personnel training, training equipment, and support equipment
- Transportation
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, logistics, and program support services
The principal contractor for the proposed sale is BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire.
APKWS II Converts Standard Rockets into Precision Weapons
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) is a laser-guidance kit that converts standard 70 mm (2.75-inch) Hydra rockets into precision-guided weapons. Instead of using a completely new missile, the system installs a laser guidance section between the rocket motor and the warhead, allowing existing rockets to strike targets with greater accuracy.
The system is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and provides a lower-cost precision engagement option compared with larger guided missiles. Its accuracy helps reduce collateral damage while engaging drones, lightly armored vehicles, and other designated targets. APKWS II has been integrated on multiple fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters operated by the U.S. military and international partners.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia's Defense Capabilities
According to the U.S. State Department, the proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening homeland defense. It will also augment the kingdom's operational aircraft and enhance both its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capabilities.
U.S. officials stated that Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services into its armed forces because it already operates compatible aircraft and weapon systems. The package also includes training, maintenance assistance, and logistics support to ensure effective operation and sustainment of the systems.
Program Support and Implementation
Implementation of the proposed sale will require the assignment of 15 additional U.S. Government representatives and 15 U.S. contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for an extended period. Their responsibilities will include program oversight, technical reviews, training, and in-country maintenance support.
The U.S. government also stated that it is not aware of any offset agreement associated with the proposed sale. Any such agreement would be negotiated separately between Saudi Arabia and the contractor if required.
Congressional Review Required
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the U.S. Congress of the proposed Foreign Military Sale in accordance with U.S. law. The notification begins the congressional review process and does not constitute a final contract. Final terms, delivery schedules, and implementation timelines will be determined if the sale proceeds following the review period.
The U.S. government further stated that the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region and will have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
Source : state.gov
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