Saudi Arabia seeks support services from US

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of US-supported effort to Saudi Arabia.

Under the estimated $4bn FMS, Government of Saudi Arabia has requested for the continuation of US-supported effort for the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The SANG defence services include OPM-SANG operation, support and equipment, modernisation programme support, personnel training and training equipment, transportation, repair and return, spare and repair parts and automation initiatives.

The other services of SANG include health affairs programme support, construction, communication and support equipment, publications and technical documentation, US Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of programme support.

Prime contractor for the FMS programme is Vinell Arabia.

The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to defeat those who would threaten regional stability while reducing US combat forces support to maintain or restore stability in the Middle East.

The Saudi Arabian National Guard modernisation programme aims to ensure necessary training, logistics, support, doctrine development and force integration for the expansion and use of weapon systems.

The modernisation programme will also serve as cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s effort to improve infrastructure of the SANG.