WASHINGTON, June 17, 2008 The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $114 million.
The Government of Canada has requested a possible sale of 37 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives' technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $114 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of Canada and the Canadian military's interoperability with U.S. forces. Canadian deployments in support of peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have enhanced global political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests.
This proposed sale would greatly contribute to Canada's military capability by making it a more sustainable coalition force to support the Global War on Terror. Canada currently operates the M777 lightweight howitzers and will use these new howitzers to protect its deployed troops, and give them the ability to operate in hazardous conditions. Canada will have no difficulty absorbing the howitzers into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be BAE Land Systems in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Howmet Castings, Alcoa Business in Whitehall, Michigan. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The proposed sale requires engineering technical support for approximately two U.S. government representatives and five contractor representatives for one year.
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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.
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