Saudi Arabia - Communication and Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Upgrades

Media/Public Contact
Lorna Jons (703) 604-6618
Transmittal No
09-40

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2009 ­ Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of Communication Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management upgrades for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of a two-phased approach for the Communication Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management upgrades of the communication and navigation systems for the Royal Saudi Air Force's fleet of 13 RE-3, KE-3, and E-3 aircraft. Phase One will include Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems, 8.33 kHz Very High Frequency radios, Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems, Mode S Transponders, Mode 4/5 Identification Friend or Foe Encryption, High Frequency radio replacements, Multifunctional Information Display Systems for Link 16 operations, Have Quick II radios, Satellite Communications and Common Secure Voice encryptions. Phase 2 will include digital flight deck instrumentation and displays, flight director system/autopilot, flight management system, cockpit data line message and combat situational awareness information. Also included are spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publication and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, personnel support and test equipment to include flight simulators, U.S. government and contractor engineering support, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed upgrade will enable the Royal Saudi Air Force to sustain its current capability, maintain interoperability with the USAF and other coalition forces, and provide flexibility options for future growth. The upgrade will enhance the RSAF's ability to use a common architecture for efficiently communicating the gathered electronic data within the RSAF and with other regional coalition forces. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these additional capabilities.

A U.S. prime contractor will be chosen after a competitive source selection. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. It does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

-30-