WASHINGTON, November 23, 2009 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Nov. 20 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Peru for the refurbishment of two NEWPORT Class Tank Landing Ships being provided as Excess Defense Articles and associated parts, equipment and logistical support worth approximately $82 million.
The Government of Peru has requested a possible sale for the refurbishment of two NEWPORT Class Tank Landing Ships, Ex-Fresno (LST-1182) and Ex-Racine (LST-1191) being provided as Excess Defense Articles (grant EDA notification is being submitted separately) with rigid inflatable boats, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $82 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 that has been and continues to be an important force for economic progress in South America.

This proposed sale will enable the Peruvian Navy to be interoperable with U.S. forces conducting maritime interdiction operations, improve its ability to execute counter narcotics, and counterterrorism capabilities, and ensure Peru’s overall ability to maintain integrity of its borders. Peru will have no difficulty absorbing the ships into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be VSE Corporation of Alexandria, Virginia, and Fairbanks Morse of San Diego, California. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of contractor representatives to provide technical and logistics support in Peru for a period of three years. U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also be required to participate in program management and technical reviews for one week intervals, semi-annually.
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