Saudi Arabia requests logistics supply support from US
29 November 2012
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) for blanket order requisitions under the cooperative logistics supply support arrangement (CLSSA) to Saudi Arabia.
Under the estimated $300m FMS order II, Saudi Arabia has requested funding for CLSSA blanket order requisitions for spare parts of M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs), M2 Bradley fighting vehicles, high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs), support vehicles and other associated logistics support services.
.The potential sale is expected to provide the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) Ordnance Corps with a contractually assured supply line for key vehicle repair parts required to maintain operational readiness of their vehicles and Abrams tank fleet.
In addition, the sale will contribute to the US's foreign policy and national security by enhancing security for Saudi Arabia, which continues to serve as an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle Eastern region.
Information about the prime contractors was not disclosed, but it is widely believed that BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and AM General, which provide similar items to US military, would be contracted for the FMS programme, as reported by Defense Industry Daily.
Manufactured by GDLS, the M1A2 is an upgraded variant of the M1A1 Abrams MBT and features a commander's independent thermal viewer, weapon station, position navigation equipment, a full set of controls and displays, as well as an enhanced fire control system.
The M-2/M-3 Bradley is a heavy-fighting vehicle designed to transport infantry on the battlefield with armour protection, while providing covering fire to suppress enemy troops and armoured vehicles.
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