US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan of Harpoon Block II Anti-ship Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $370 million.
The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 50 UGM-84L (submarine-launched), 50 RGM-84L (surface-launched), and 30 AGM-84L (air-launched) Block II Harpoon missiles; 5 Encapsulated Harpoon Command Launch Systems; 115 containers; missile modifications; training devices; spare and repair parts; technical support; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; technical data and publications; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $370 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be a key ally in the global war on terrorism.
Pakistan intends to use the Harpoon systems on its P-3 aircraft, surface ships, and submarines. The Pakistan Navy currently has AGM-84 Block I air/surface/subsurface launch capability and recently accepted the Block II air- and surface-launched Harpoon. The AGM-84, Harpoon Block II upgraded targeting capability significantly reduces the risk of hitting non-combatant targets thus improving Pakistan's naval operational flexibility. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.
The Harpoon Block II system will provide a significant upgrade to Pakistan's existing systems and allow for improved target acquisition. The system has an increased number of waypoints associated with missile flight and incorporates a Global Positioning System that allows for precision use.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company of St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require several U.S. Government and contractor representatives to travel to Pakistan on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical and management oversight and support requirements.
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.
North Korea fires ICBM as US, Seoul slam Russia deployment
North Korea said Thursday it had test-fired one of its newest and most powerful missiles to boost its nuclear deterrent,...