Washington - Saba:
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Monday said the United States has approved a possible $510 million sale of conventional and bunker-buster bomb guidance kits to Israel.
The agency explained in a press release: "The State Department has decided to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel for munition guidance kits, logistical support, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $510 million."
According to the statement, Israel has requested 3,845 guidance kits for BLU-109 2,000-pound bombs and 3,280 kits for MK-82 500-pound bombs.
The statement explained that the sale also includes engineering, logistics, and technical support services provided by the U.S. government and its contractors, along with other operational support elements.
The statement read: "The United States is committed to Israel's security and considers helping it develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability vital to its national interests," noting that the proposed sale "is consistent with these goals".
It added: "This proposed sale will enhance Israel's ability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend its borders, critical infrastructure, and population centers. It will also contribute to enhancing interoperability with U.S. forces and underscores the United States' commitment to Israel's security and the modernization of its armed forces."
The statement indicated that Israel will have no difficulty in integrating this equipment into its armed forces, while stressing that the proposed sale "will not upset the basic military balance in the region".
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Boeing, headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, will be the prime contractor for the sale, with the option to provide a portion of the JDAM guidance kits from U.S. government stockpiles.
| more of (International) |