US approves $78.5 million sale of torpedoes and support equipment to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes and related support equipment to Saudi Arabia, with an estimated total cost of $78.5 million.

RTX Integrated Defense Systems, based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, will serve as the prime contractor for the sale, Caliber.Az reports citing the announcement on the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's (DSCA) website.

DSCA notified Congress of the decision, confirming that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested the purchase of 20 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT), along with spare parts, recoverable exercise torpedoes (REXTORP), handling shapes, containers, training, publications, test equipment, and logistical and technical support services.

This proposed sale aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's anti-submarine warfare capabilities, which will help the kingdom better address both current and future security threats. The US government asserts that the sale will strengthen regional stability and support US foreign policy objectives by bolstering a key partner in the Gulf.

The sale, according to the State Department, will not disrupt the military balance in the region. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to seamlessly integrate this advanced equipment into its armed forces.

RTX Integrated Defense Systems will be responsible for fulfilling the contract, which includes providing engineering, technical, and logistical support services. While there are no offset agreements related to this sale, it will require up to two US government or contractor representatives to travel temporarily to Saudi Arabia for program oversight and technical support.

By Tamilla Hasanova