Singapore Requests HIMARS

12 September 2007

HIMARS-Multiple Launch Rocket System (photo : Military Pictures)

WASHINGTON, The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $330 million.

The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale of Major Defense Equipment (MDE) :
-18 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) Launchers
-32 XM31 Unitary High Explosive GMLRS Pods
-30 M28A1 Multiple Launcher Rocket Systems (MLRS) Practice Rocket Pods
-35 VRC-92E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radios Systems (SINCGARS)
-45 VRC-90E SINCGARS-35 VRC-990 Vehicular Radio Communications Sets
-45 VRC-950 Vehicular Radio Communications Sets
-9 M1084A1 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 5 Ton Trucks
-1 M1089A1 Wrecker
Also included are support equipment, communications equipment, spare and repair parts, test sets, batteries, laptop computers, publications and technical data, personnel training and equipment, systems integration support, support services of a Quality Assurance Team and a Technical Assistance Fielding Team, United States (U.S.) Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $330 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 economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The HIMARS will enhance Singapore's military capability by providing a highly effective indirect area fire artillery system that is critical to successful deterrence and national defense. HIMARS supplements traditional cannon artillery by delivering high volume firepower in a short time against time-sensitive targets. At shorter ranges, HIMARS complements tube artillery with heavy barrages against assaulting forces, counter-fire and defense suppression. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing and integrating this system into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be: Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control at Dallas, Texas and Stewart & Stevenson at Sealy, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale will require the assignment of a U.S. Government Quality Assurance Team of up to five contractor representatives to Singapore for two weeks to assist in the delivery and deployment of the HIMARS and sequential deliveries. There will be a three-man Technical Assistance Fielding Team for training missions for up to two years. A U.S. Government representative will remain in country for a minimum of two years in order to assist in the security assistance aspects of the proposed sale.

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.

(Deagel)