US State Department OKs possible sale of missile launching system to Netherlands

The State Department has authorized the possible sale of Mk-41 ship-based missile launching systems and other systems to the Netherlands for about $110 million.

The statement came from the Pentagon's Security Cooperation Agency, which is responsible for overseas supplies of military equipment and weapons under intergovernmental contracts, TASS reports.

According to the agency, the US Foreign Ministry approved the potential sale of "Mk-41 vertical launch systems and related equipment to the Dutch authorities for about $110 million." According to Washington, representatives of the kingdom had previously requested permission to purchase eight such systems from the United States, as well as various equipment and spare parts for them. The Netherlands, as follows from the document, intends to use the installations to equip the ships of its Navy.

The US administration has already notified Congress of this decision. The legislature has 30 days to consider a potential deal and possibly block it.

The main contractors, if approved, will include Lockheed Martin. The Pentagon assured that the sale of installations will not harm the combat readiness of the United States.