Kuwait wants Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods under foreign military sale
NewsNovember 09, 2015
WASHINGTON. U.S. State Department officials made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to the Government of Kuwait for 14 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of about $115 million. Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Orlando, Florida, is the principal contractor.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this potential sale last week.
Non-major defense equipment (MDE) items also in this request are associated equipment, spares, accessories, and airworthiness certification. The sale will have the above system integration on the purchaser's F/A-18 aircraft along with improvements to the on-board mission computer software suites. Operational support for these modifications will be made through upgrades. Also included in this request are software development/integration, systems integration and testing, support equipment, maintenance and pilot training, test sets, spares, repair parts, publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics, engineering and program support. The MDE cost is estimated at $50 million. The total cost is estimated at $115 million.
Kuwait has requested the Sniper ATP due to its compatibility with the latest precision-guided weapons and capability of detecting, identifying, and engaging multiple moving and fixed targets in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, according to the DSCA announcement. Integration of the Sniper ATP on Kuwait’s F/A-18 aircraft would improve its ability to protect itself against possible aggression from foreign forces.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by enabling the improvement of the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, according to the DSCA. Kuwait plays a large role in U.S. efforts to advance stability in the Middle East, providing basing, access, and transit for U.S. forces in the region.
The proposed sale of this equipment, services, and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected and will be determined during negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.
According to the DSCA announcement there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
For more information on this FMS, contact the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at [email protected].
