US considers Saudi MMSC ships sale
The US state department has approved a potential foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia for Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) ships and associated parts, equipment and logistical support for around $11.25 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 20 October.
The government of Saudi Arabia has requested the vessels as part of a naval modernisation programme as it seeks to enhance the stability and maritime security in the sea areas around the Arabian Peninsula.
Four MMSC ships have been requested, with supporting equipment including the TRS-4D radar, Mode 4- and Mode 5-capable Identification Friend or Foe systems, and five compact low frequency active passive variable depth sonars.
Weapon systems requested include the MK-41 vertical launch system, 532 tactical RIM-162 evolved sea sparrow missiles; five AN/SWG-l (V) Harpoon ship command launch control systems; eight Harpoon Shipboard Launchers; 48 RGM-84 Harpoon Block II Missiles; five MK-15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System; 188 RIM 116C Block II Rolling Airframe Missiles; five MK-75 76mm OTO Melara Gun Systems; and 48 50-calibre machine guns.
Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service (GPS/PPS) navigation equipment has also been requested.
If the sale goes ahead, Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractor for the MMSC.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
