SANG Light Armored Vehicles (LAV)

On July 20, 2006 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia to continue modernization of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG). The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $5.8 billion. The Government of Saudi Arabia requested a possible sale for the continuation of the United States supported effort to modernize the SANG by providing Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and non-MDE items:

• 724 LAV-25, LAV-AG, LAV-M, LAV-AT, LAV-CC, LAV-PC, LAV-A, LAV-AC LAV-E and LAV-R Light Armored Vehicles (LAV);
• 1,160 AN/VRC-90E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS) Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems;
• 627 AN/VRC-92E SINCGARS Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems;
• 518 AN/VRC-119 E SINCGARS Vehicular Single Long-Range Radio Systems;
• 2,198 SINCGARS Spearhead Handheld;
• 1,700 AN/AVS-7D Night Vision Goggles (NVG);
• 432 AN/PVS-14 NVG;
• 630 AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight;
• 162 84mm Recoilless Rifle.

Other items include Harris Corporation Commercial High Frequency Radios; various commercial vehicles; fixed facilities and ranges; simulations; generators; battery chargers; protective clothing; shop equipment; training devices; spare and repair parts; sets, kits, and outfits; support equipment; publications and technical data; personnel training and training equipment; contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support.

The SANG needed these defense articles so that it can effectively conduct security and counter-terrorism operations. The continuation of services under the SANG Modernization Program is an evolution of the SANG as an effective defensive force with the advice, assistance, and training of the U.S. Army. The Modernization Program ensures necessary training, logistics, support, doctrine development and force integration for the continuing expansion and use of their weapon systems. These services will remain the cornerstone of an effort to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure of the SANG organization. The proposed sale will also provide SANG with additional command, control, and communications equipment needed to operate in a secure communications environment that will facilitate the performance of its mission within Saudi Arabia. It is consistent with the National Command Authority's intent for stability in the Central Command Area of Operation. The radios will modernize equipment and provide the critical VHF and HF links necessary for a large fast moving force and integration with the SINCGARS radios SANG already has fielded in its Light Armored Vehicle and Light Infantry Brigades.

On October 4, 2007 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of Light Armored Vehicles and High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $631 million. The Government of Saudi Arabia requested a possible sale for

• 37 Light Armored Vehicles - Assault Gun (LAV-AG)
• 26 LAV-25 mm
• 48 LAV Personnel Carriers
• 5 Reconnaissance LAVs
• 5 LAV Ambulances
• 3 LAV Recovery Vehicles
• 25 M1165A1 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV)
• 25 M1165A1 HMMWV with winch
• 124 M240 7.62mm Machine Guns
• 525 AN/PVS-7D Night Vision Goggles (NVGs);

Other items included various M978A2 and M984A2 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, 120mm Mortar Towed, M242 25mm guns, spare and repair parts; sets, kits, and outfits; support equipment; publications and technical data; personnel training and training equipment; contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support.

The proposed sale of Light Armored Vehicles will provide a highly mobile, light combat vehicle capability enabling Saudi Arabia to rapidly identify, engage, and defeat perimeter security threats and readily employ counter and anti-terrorism measures. The vehicles will enhance the stability and security operations for boundaries and territorial areas encompassing the Arabian Peninsula. The Light Armored Vehicle is the primary combat vehicle of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG). This procurement by the Royal Saudi land forces will promote interoperability between the SANG and Ministry of Defense and Aviation. The prime contractor is General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Michigan.

On June 13, 2011 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of a variety of light armored vehicles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $350 million. The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 25 LAV-25 series Light Armored Vehicles, 8 LAV Assault Guns, 8 LAV Anti-Tank Vehicles, 6 LAV Mortars, 2 LAV Recovery Vehicles, 24 LAV Command and Control Vehicles, 3 LAV Personnel Carriers, 3 LAV Ammo Carriers, 1 LAV Engineer Vehicle, 2 LAV Ambulances, AN/VRC 90E and AN/VRC-92E Export Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), battery chargers, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.