The US State Department has authorised a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia, which includes MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes and associated support, with an estimated cost of $78.5m.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has officially notified Congress of the potential transaction.
The sale encompasses 20 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo units.
This MK 54 MOD 0, an anti-submarine weapon for surface ships and aircraft, combines existing technology with “advanced” digital signal processing from commercial sources.
This integration aims to enhance performance while reducing lifecycle costs.
Additionally, continuous software updates are provided through the Torpedo Advanced Processor Build process.
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By GlobalDataThe MK 54 MOD 1 adds a hardware upgrade to the sonar array and electronics.
The package will also include non-MDE items such as MK 54 MOD 0 LWT spare parts, REXTORP, handling shapes, training, publications, support equipment, and US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services among others.
This proposed sale is intended to bolster the security of Saudi Arabia, contributing to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region by enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
RTX Integrated Defense Systems is the principal contractor.
No offset agreements are currently associated with this potential sale. Implementation will necessitate temporary travel of US personnel to Saudi Arabia for support and oversight. The sale is not expected to change the military balance in the region.
This announcement follows an approval for a MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo sale to India in the previous year, aimed at improving India’s anti-submarine warfare capacities.
According to GlobalData report titled ‘Saudi Arabia Defense Market Size, Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2029’, the defence budget allocated by Saudi Arabia stands at $71.7bn (SR269bn) in the fiscal year 2024, with projections indicating an annual growth rate exceeding 8% from 2025 to 2029.
Under its revised military doctrine, Saudi Arabia’s defence forces are set to enhance their operational capabilities through the integration of sophisticated and high-performance weaponry, aimed at achieving a strategic edge in military operations.
Factors influencing the increase in defence spending encompass the ongoing tensions with Iran, comprehensive military upgrades, and initiatives aimed at bolstering domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Key acquisition initiatives currently underway include the purchase of multi-role combat vessels, surface combat ships tailored for various missions, Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 aircraft, THAAD systems, LAV 6.0 armoured vehicles, Cheongung II missile defence systems, tactical transport aircraft, CH-47F Chinook helicopters, communication satellite systems, and satellites designed for ballistic missile detection.
