WASHINGTON, May 20, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey for MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Upgrades and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $310 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Republic of Turkey has requested a possible sale for four (4) MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 systems and the overhaul, upgrade, and conversion of seventeen (17) MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Block 0 systems to the Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration. Also included are twenty one (21) Remote Control Stations, twenty one (21) Local Control Stations, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $310 million.
Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our NATO ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.
The proposed sale will provide the Turkish Navy with enhanced self-defense capabilities for surface combatants supporting both national and multinational naval operations. The sale will extend the life of existing weapons systems and add four new weapons to Turkey’s two future Landing Ships Tank (LST) vessels. Turkey has significant experience in maintaining and supporting CIWS, particularly MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Block 0, and has capable infrastructure that will require minimal updates.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. The purchaser has requested offsets. At this time, agreements are undetermined and 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 Turkey. However, Contractor Engineering and Technical Services (CETS) may be required on an interim basis for installations and integration.
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.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.
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