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The German government has requested to purchase more than 700 vertical launch missiles in a possible US$3.5 billion foreign military sale approved by the US State Department.
The US Congress was advised of the possible US foreign military sale by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 14 November this year.
The possible sale includes 173 Standard Missile 6 Block I missiles, 577 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles, missile and support test equipment component parts, engineering and logistics support, MK 21 and MK 13 vertical launch system (VLS) missile transport, storage and launch canisters.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” according to a statement from the DSCA.
“The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing integrated air and missile defence capabilities deployable from their future Aegis Weapon System equipped F127 Class surface combatants, bolstering Germany’s capacity to present a credible deterrence to regional strategic competitors.
“The proposed sale will also improve Germany’s ability to operate alongside US and allied naval forces in facing a full spectrum of maritime threats. Germany will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US government or contractor representatives to Germany.”
The principal contractor is expected to be the RTX Corporation.
