The State Department approved a possible $154.9 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request to Saudi Arabia for MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 Kits, equipment, training, and logistics support.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on Feb. 10.

An MK 15 Baseline 2 Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS). Photo: U.S. Navy
An MK 15 Baseline 2 Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS). Photo: U.S. Navy

The sale would include the upgrade and conversion of five MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 0 systems to the Block 1B Baseline 2 configuration. Block 0 Systems are currently installed on four Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Patrol Chaser Missile (PCG) Ships (U.S. origin) in their Eastern Fleet and one (1) system is located at its Naval Forces School. This major defense equipment (MDE) portion of the sale is estimated at $72.5 million.

The FMS also includes five local control stations, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications, software, and technical documentation, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of program and logistics support.

The principal contractor would be Raytheon [RTN].

Saudi Arabia would use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats while strengthening its homeland defense, DSCA said.

“The proposed sale will provide Saudi Arabia with self-defense capabilities for surface combatants supporting both national and multi-national naval operations. The sale will extend the life of existing PCG Class ships,” the agency said in a statement.

Implementation of the sale would not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia. However, contracting engineering and technical services may be required on an interim basis for installations and integration, DSCA said.