Oman to Purchase AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles in Potential $86 Million Deal

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S: Congress on June 12 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Oman for 55 AIM-9X Block II SIDEWINDER All-Up-Round Missiles, 36 AIM-9X Block II SIDEWINDER Captive Air Training Missiles, 6 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 4 AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units, 1 Dummy Air Training Missile, and other related equipment. The estimated cost is $86 million.

The Government of Oman has requested a possible sale of 55 AIM-9X Block II SIDEWINDER All-Up-Round Missiles, 36 AIM-9X Block II SIDEWINDER Captive Air Training Missiles, 6 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 4 AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units, 1 Dummy Air Training Missile, containers, weapon support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $86 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The Government of Oman is modernizing its F-16 fighter aircraft fleet to better support its own air defense needs. The proposed sale of AIM-9X Block II missiles will provide a significant increase in Oman’s defensive capability while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allies. Oman will have no difficulty absorbing this additional capability into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this weapon system and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractors will be Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Oman involving U.S. Government or contractor representatives on a temporary basis for program and technical support, and management oversight.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.


Source: Washington, 14 June 2012 - Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) News

Photo: The Omani Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon * AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles (Photo by voodoo-world.cz)

(15.06.2012)