The State Department approved a possible $525 million Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request to Saudi Arabia for 74K Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) Aerostats and related equipment, support, and training.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sales Jan. 23.
The request includes 10 74K Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) Aerostats; 14 Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) Radars; 26 MX-20 Electro-Optic Infrared (EO/IR) Cameras; and 10 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Sensors.
The FMS also includes the Mooring systems with powered tether with embedded fiber optics; Ground Control Systems (GCS); associated installation hardware; special tools and test equipment; Basic Issue Items (BII); program management support; verification testing; systems technical support; transportation; spare and repair parts; communications equipment; operators and maintenance manuals; personnel training and training equipment; tool and test equipment; repair and return; and publications and technical documentation;
The request additionally contains Quality Assurance Team (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; in-country Field Service Representatives (FSR); and other related elements of logistics and program support.
DSCA noted the primary contractor is presently unknown.
Saudi Arabia will use the equipment to improve the country’s capability to meet current and future threats and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure, the agency said.
DSCA highlighted the sale increases the Royal Saudi Land Force’s interoperability with U.S. forces while conveying American commitment to Saudi Arabia security and armed forces.
Implementation of the sale will require an unspecified amount of U.S. government or contractor representative to travel to Saudi Arabia for six years for de-processing/fielding, system checkout, new equipment training, and to provide the support of in-country FSRs and operators.