Peru seeks naval missile systems

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Peru is seeking to purchase four MK57 MOD 10 NATO Seasparrow Surface Missile Systems from the United States.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress, said the possible Foreign Military Sale would be worth about $50 million.

Specifically, Peru is asking to buy four systems without RIM-7 missiles, MK57 installation and check out kits, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistical and program support.

"The proposed sale will improve Peru's capability to meet current and future threats of enemy anti-ship weapons," the agency said. "Peru will use the enhanced capability of the MK57 MOD 10 NSSMS on its four LUPO class frigates purchased from Italy in 2004."

The frigates have MK57 MOD 2 NATO Seasparrow Systems modified to fire the Aspide air defense missile. The systems retain the ability to fire the RIM-7 Seasparrow missile, and Peru intends to move from the Aspide missile to the RIM-7 Seasparrow in a future purchase.

Peru, which already has MK 57 Missile Systems, will have no difficulty absorbing the additional systems into its inventory, the agency said.

The prime contractors would be Raytheon Technical Service Co. and Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.