United States will modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard with military equipment 2206132.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale for the continuation of the United Statessupported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG), consisting of the following defense services: OPM-SANG operation, support and equipment, and Modernization Program support, personnel training and training equipment, transportation, repair and return, spare and repair parts, automation initiatives, SANG Health Affairs Program support, construction, communication and support equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $4.0 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by making a key regional ally and partner in the international fight against terrorism more capable of defeating those who would threaten regional stability and less reliant on the deployment of U.S. combat forces to maintain or restore stability in the Middle East.

The continuation of services under the Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program is an evolution of Saudi Arabia as an effective defensive force with the advice, assistance, and training of the U.S. Army. The Modernization Program ensures necessary training, logistics, support, doctrine development and force integration for the continuing expansion and use of their weapon systems. These services will remain the cornerstone of an effort to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure of this organization.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Vinell Arabia. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia. At present, there are approximately 250 U.S. Government personnel and 650 representatives in country supporting the Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program.