The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes and associated equipment and support, valued at an estimated $78.5 million, according to a press release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on January 3, 2025.
Saudi Arabia has requested the purchase of 20 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT), alongside a range of non-Major Defense Equipment (MDE) items.
These include “MK 54 MOD 0 LWT spare parts; MK 54 Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP); handling shapes and containers; training; publications; support and test equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” the notice outlined.
The DSCA highlighted the strategic benefits of the sale, stating, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”
The sale aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The DSCA noted, “The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by upgrading its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The principal contractor for this sale is RTX Integrated Defense Systems, based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. According to the DSCA, “There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.”
In terms of logistics, “implementation of this sale will require travel of up to two U.S. Government or up to two contractor representatives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight,” the DSCA added.
The agency assured that the proposed sale would not affect U.S. defense readiness, nor would it “alter the basic military balance in the region.”
The value of the deal is based on initial requirements and represents the highest estimated cost. The actual cost could be lower depending on “final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.”
Have to wonder if the US is trying to ditch these MOD0 monstrosities to make room for MOD1 (minor improvement) and MOD2 (a new torpedo with a name that appeases congress).
Any new sales of Stingray or the future Lightweight torpedo? And at a tangent, any update of new helo orders for the Philippines and New Zealand? Wasn’t the Wildcat being put forward for both? And potential T31/A140 frigates for NZ?