The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress (link opens a PDF) Tuesday of plans to sell the Saudi Arabian military a fleet of 30 armed, Mark V patrol boats.
The proposed sale, which includes spare parts, training services, logistical support, and 32 cannons firing 27mm rounds, is valued at a total price of $1.2 billion. No primary contractor has yet been identified for the sale, but small, privately owned boat-builders such as United States Marine, Halter Marine, and Hodgdon Yachts have been known to build such boats for U.S. and foreign buyers in the past. The Mark V is an aluminum boat also used by U.S. Navy SEALs.
The DSCA justifies the sale by noting that the "Mark V patrol boats will give the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) an effective combat and threat deterrent capability to protect maritime infrastructure in the Saudi littorals. This acquisition will enhance the stability and security operations for boundaries and territorial areas encompassing the Saudi Arabian coastline [and] will enhance interoperability between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
DSCA added that "there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale."
