US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, On 3 October 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of 165 Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Low Volume Terminals (Fighter Data Link terminals), 25 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals as well as associated equipment and services.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $401 million.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 165 Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)/Low Volume Terminals (Fighter Data Link terminals), 25 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, installation, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training, training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $401 million.
This 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 has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The MIDS terminals will increase pilot operational effectiveness by providing an at-a-glance portrayal of targets, threats, and friendly forces on an easy-to-understand relative position display. This proposed system will increase combat effectiveness while reducing the threat of friendly fire. The system will increase benefits of joint training exercises and foster interoperability with the U.S. Air Force and other countries. Combined with AWACS and ground Command and Control, MIDS/JTIDS will provide allied forces greater situational awareness in any coalition operation.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. Saudi Arabia is capable of absorbing and maintaining these additional MIDS/JTIDS terminals in its inventory.
The prime contractor will be Data Link Solutions of Wayne, New Jersey. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 10 each U.S. Government and contractor representatives for one-week intervals annually to participate in training, program management and technical review. There will be up to 12 contractor representatives in Saudi Arabia to provide technical assistance on a permanent basis.
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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