The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Peru for four MK57 MOD 10 NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile Systems (NSSMS) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support worth an estimated $50 million.

The Government of Peru has requested a possible sale of four each MK57 MOD 10 NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile Systems (NSSMS) without RIM-7 missiles, MK57 Installation and Check Out (INCO) Kits, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, U.S. Government (USG) and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $50 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Peru which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

The proposed sale will improve Peru’s capability to meet current and future threats of enemy anti-ship weapons. Peru will use the enhanced capability of the MK57 MOD 10 NSSMS on its four LUPO class (aka Aguirre) Class frigates purchased from Italy in 2004. The frigates have MK57 MOD 2 NATO SEASPARROW Systems modified to fire the ASPIDE air defense missile. The systems retain the ability to fire the RIM-7 SEASPARROW missile, and Peru intends to move from the ASPIDE missile to the RIM-7 SEASPARROW in a future purchase. Peru, which already has MK 57 Missile Systems, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional systems into its inventory.

The proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be Raytheon Technical Service Company in Norfolk VA and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Portsmouth, RI. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Peru.

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.

DSCA press release