The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for an AWACS modernization program and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 12, 2014.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has requested a sale of 5 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Block 40/45 Mission Computing Upgrade systems, 20 Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe (NG IFF) AN/UPX-40, communication equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, support equipment, Mission Planning System, repair and return, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The Block 40/45 major defense equipment includes new mission computing hardware and software with open architecture – including computers, servers, and mission interactive displays. The NG IFF major defense equipment includes receivers, interrogators and processor hardware for earlier detection of friendly contacts. The total estimated cost is $2.0 billion.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and the national security objectives 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 political stability in the Middle East.

These upgrades are a continuation of efforts to maintain interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces. The Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) AWACS fleet provides early warning of potential airborne threats to Saudi Arabia and manages friendly airborne assets. The sale of this equipment and support will enhance the RSAF’s ability to effectively field, support, and employ this aircraft for the foreseeable future. The KSA has the ability to absorb and use the defense articles and services associated with the AWACS modernization effort.

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

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

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company in Kent, Washington. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

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