The State Department has approved a potential $1.3 billion foreign military sale of 155mm M109A5/A6 medium self-propelled howitzer structures and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia asked to buy 180 M109A5/A6 self-propelled howitzer structures from the U.S. government for conversion into 177 155mm M109A6 Paladin medium self-propelled howitzer systems, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.
The proposed sale also includes three Fire Support Combined Arms Tactical Trainers static training devices; 180 M2 HB .50 caliber machine guns; eight Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems; and technical, logistics and program support services.
DSCA noted the procurement effort seeks to increase Saudi Arabian army’s interoperability with U.S. forces and support security and armed forces modernization efforts in the Middle East country.
The agency does not expect the FMS transaction to affect basic military balance in the region nor require the deployment additional U.S. government or contractor representatives.
