US May Sell Egypt 200 M109A5 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers

2005-07-29

Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

[IMRA: "The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region." - not because anyone actually checked this but because thge statement is required by Congress.

After all, if this boiler plate statement was in fact true that would mean that the US sells billions of apparently worthless weapons systems to the Arabs. Why worthless? because these many billions of dollars of US made weapons never "affect the basic military balance in the region".]

On 29 July 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt of 200 M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzers as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $181 million.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of 200 M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzers, overhaul/refurbishment, intercoms, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment Quality Assurance Team, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $181 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 that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

We previously notified transmittal number 00-39 to Congress on 24 May 2000 for the sale of 279 M109A2/A3 155mm self-propelled howitzers and logistics support for an estimated value of $48 million, and transmittal number 02-10 to Congress on 6 November 2001 for overhaul/refurbishment of 201 M109A2/A3 155mm self-propelled howitzers and logistics support for an estimated value of $77 million.

Egypt will use the M109A5 howitzers primarily in support of its armed forces, but may also use them in joint exercises with the U.S. Government. The howitzers will improve Egypt's current fleet of ground defense equipment. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing the howitzers into its armed forces.

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

The equipment is considered long supply and is no longer utilized by the U.S. Government. The prime contractor will be United Defense, Limited Partnership of York, Pennsylvania for the overhaul/refurbishing of the howitzers. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Up to six U.S. Government Quality Assurance representatives will be required for two weeks intervals to participate in program management and technical reviews.

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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis