Saudis gain more THAAD support
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missile launcher at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (Photo: US Army/Capt Adan Cazarez)
Lockheed Martin continues support for Saudi-installed ballistic missile defence system.
Lockheed Martin is continuing to support the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) programme in Saudi Arabia with a new $286.47 million FMS contract modification from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
The DoD stated on 17 December that under the latest modification, Lockheed Martin will provide ‘equipment and continued efforts’ for THAAD Phase I, and ‘additional efforts related to ground production, training, spares, spares consolidation, software support, facility support, engineering services’ and other work inside the US and abroad.
Work began on 16 December 2021 and is scheduled to finish on 31 August 2027.
The US approved a $15 billion FMS deal in October 2017 to sell THAAD systems and support services to Saudi Arabia. The deal included 44 THAAD launchers, 360 interceptor missiles, 16 mobile fire control units and seven AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars, with Lockheed Martin as prime contractor and systems integrator.
A $945.9 million Saudi THAAD FMS support contract for Lockheed Martin from the MDA, awarded in March 2019, was followed by a $610.46 million contract for Phase II in March 2021.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
![Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention]()
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
