Saudi Arabia - Continued Modernization of the Saudi Arabian National Guard
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Nov. 21, 2003)
[With thanks to www.defense-aerospace.com ]

On 20 November 2003, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified
Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of
modernization support services for the Saudi Arabian National Guard as well
as associated equipment. The total value, if all options are exercised,
could be as high as $990 million.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of services for
the continuation of the U.S. supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian
National Guard (SANG) by providing minor defense articles including spare
and repair parts for V150 armored vehicles, light armored vehicles,
artillery pieces, communications equipment, other military equipment,
medical equipment and medicines, automation equipment and software for
logistics, training, and management, translated (into Arabic) tactical and
technical manuals. Defense services transferred would include training,
professional military advice and assistance, management assistance, contract
administration, construction oversight, transportation of equipment, upper
echelon maintenance, management of repair and return of components. These
support services would be for the period 1 January 2004 through 31 December
2008. This proposed sale does not entail the procurement of Major Defense
Equipment. The estimated cost is $990 million.

This 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 political stability and
economic progress in the Middle East.

The continuation of services under the SANG Modernization Program is an
evolution of the SANG as an effective defensive force with the advice,
assistance and training of the U.S. Army. The Modernization Program ensures
necessary training, logistics, support, doctrine development and force
integration for the continuing expansion and use of their weapon systems.
These services will remain the cornerstone of an effort to upgrade and
enhance the infrastructure of the SANG organization.

This proposed sale of continuing support services will not affect the basic
military balance in the region.

The prime contractor is the Vinnell Arabia Corporation of Fairfax, Virginia.
There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential
sale.

At present, there are approximately 273 U.S. Government personnel and 1,171
contractor representatives in country supporting the SANG modernization
program. 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; it does not mean that
the sale has been concluded.

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