US To Equip Saudi Arabia With Radars, Projectiles To Counter Incoming Ballistic Artillery, Rockets and Mortars

The US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale worth $662 million to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 26 AN/TPQ-53(V) radar systems and related support.

Saudi Arabia intends to use Lockheed Martin manufactured AN/TPQ-53(V) radars to enhance its border security and modernize its armed forces with a more current capability to locate and counter the source of incoming ballistic artillery, rockets, and mortars, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency press release said.

Saudi Arabia has also requested Solid State Phased Array Radar with KN-4083 Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) enhanced Land/Sea Inertial Navigation System (INS) and automatic leveling system; 840, M931, 120mm Projectiles with M781 fuzes (for live fire exercise); 2000, 2,240, M107, 155MM Projectiles with M557 fuzes (for live fire exercise); Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) and accessories; Defense Advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver (DAGR) equipment and accessories; Miltope laptops and accessories; Medium Tactical Vehicles FMTV M1092 5-ton trucks/chassis with support and accessories; software support; support equipment; classroom simulators; government furnished equipment; technical manuals and publications; essential spares and repair parts; consumables; live fire exercise and ammunition; tools and test equipment; training; transportation; U.S. Government technical support and logistic support; contractor technical support; repair and return support; quality assurance teams; in-country Field Service Representative (FSR) and other associated equipment and services, the release states.

Saudi Arabia has been hit by incoming short-range missiles and projectiles from rebel-occupied regions of Yemen in the past. It has claimed to have intercepted several of them using the Patriot anti-missile system already in service with its armed forces.