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
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
