Scott Nicholas
The State Department has approved a potential $98.4 million foreign military sale of missiles, torpedoes, ammunition, spares and repair parts to Mexico.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Friday the proposed agreement will cover the delivery of six RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, 23 Block II Rolling Airframe Missile tactical missiles and six MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes.
Mexico will also procure eight MK 825 Mod 0 RAM Guided Missile Round Packs tri-pack shipping and storage containers, RAM Block 2 MK 44 Mod 4 Guided Missile Round Pack and two MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes triple tube launchers.
The deal also includes the purchase of 250 rounds of AA98 25 mm high explosive and semi-armor piercing ammunition, 750 rounds of A976 25mm target practice and tracer ammunition, 480 rounds of BA22 57mm high explosive programmable fuze ammunition and 960 rounds of BA23 57mm practice ammunition.
The U.S. government will provide containers, spares, repair parts, support and test equipment as well as offer personnel training, technical assistance, installation, logistics and program support.
The Mexican government looks to utilize the defense equipment and services to update the country’s armed forces and meet naval, maritime and national security requirements to diminish criminal organizations.
Mexico will utilize the weapon systems to boost the Mexican navy’s Sigma 10514-class ship as well as open potential opportunities for maritime partnerships.
DSCA noted that all equipment covered by the transaction will come from U.S. stocks and federal government personnel will take annual trips to Mexico alongside contractor representatives to perform technical reviews and oversight for two years.
