US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, WASHINGTON: On April 4, 2008, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey of MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems as well as associated equipment and services.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $227 million.
The Government of Turkey has requested a possible sale of six MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Baseline VII tactical modules and two sets of MK 41 VLS upgrade kits to modernize two MEKO Track IIA frigates, four ex-Perry Class FFG Frigates and to upgrade two MEKO Track IIB MK-41 VLS from baseline IV to baseline VII configuration.
Included with the MK 41 VLS are the ship’s fire control system upgrades to allow for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile capability, installation and testing, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, launch system software development and maintenance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $227 million.
Turkey is a partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability that will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.
The proposed sale of Vertical Launch Systems to Turkey will contribute to U.S. security objectives by improving the Turkish Navy’s ability to contribute to coalition and NATO operations and the Global War on Terrorism, and coalition operations such as United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and BLACKSEAFOR in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean regions. The proven reliability and compatibility of like systems in association with numerous platforms will foster increased interoperability with U.S., NATO and coalition forces, and expand regional defenses to counter common threats to border and shipping assets in the region. The Turkish Navy can easily integrate this system capability into its concept of operations and will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors of Baltimore, Maryland, and Moorestown, New Jersey. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government representatives or contractor representatives to Turkey.
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.
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