WASHINGTON, November 12, 2009 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Nov. 10 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Chile of 36 AVENGER Fire Units, 378 STINGER-Reprogrammable Micro-Processor (RMP) Block 1 Anti-Aircraft missiles, 12 STINGER Block 1 Buy-to-Fly missiles and associated parts, equipment and logistical support worth approximately $455 million.

The Government of Chile has requested a possible sale of 36 AVENGER Fire Units, 378 STINGER-Reprogrammable Micro-Processor (RMP) Block 1 Anti-Aircraft missiles, 12 STINGER Block 1 Buy-to-Fly missiles, 42 Captive Flight Trainers, 36 AN/VRC-92E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), 42 Captive Flight Trainers (CFTs), S250 Shelters on High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), support equipment, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $455 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 which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

Chile intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces. and expand its existing air defense architecture to counter threats posed by air attack. These systems will contribute to the Chilean military’s goal of updating its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between Chile and the U.S. and other allies.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Boeing Aerospace Company of Huntsville, AL, Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, AZ, and Thales Raytheon Systems Company, LLC of Fullerton, CA. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require 10 U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Chile for 8 weeks for equipment checkout and training.

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Source: DSCA