WASHINGTON, October 11, 2024 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of ammunition for artillery systems, machine guns, and tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of $139 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy ten thousand (10,000) M456 series, 105mm, High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer cartridges. Also included are various types of tank, howitzer, and machine gun ammunition; propelling charges; fuzes; primers; grenades; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $139 million.
This proposed sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. Forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia's continued investment in its defense capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
This ammunition will come from a combination of U.S. Army stock and new procurement. The procurement vendors are unknown at this time. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when 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.