Seoul seeks Aegis systems, Lebanon asks for planes

WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of possible sales of Aegis Combat Systems to South Korea and Super Tucano aircraft to Lebanon.

The two separate Foreign Military Sales packages, approved by the State Department, have a combined value of more than $2.37 billion.

Both sales would "contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs" of allied nations, said the agency, which oversees the FMS program.

Aegis Combat Systems are an integrated radar and computer technology system, integrated with missiles, to detect, track and destroy enemy targets. It is a prime system with U.S. warships and the navies of U.S. allies around the world, including South Korea.

The government is Seoul is specifically seeking three Aegis systems and associated equipment for $1.91 billion. The associated equipment includes MK-41 Vertical Launching Systems, Common Data Link Management Systems, AN/UPX-29(V) identification-friend-or-foe interrogators, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation and personnel training and training equipment, tool and test equipment.

"The ROK (Republic of Korea) is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region," DSCA told Congress. "It is vital to the U.S. interest to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

"The Aegis Combat System will provide enhanced capabilities on the ROK's naval ships to defend against possible aggression and protect sea lines of communications. Aegis is the keystone in the ROK Navy's efforts to upgrade its shipboard combat and ballistic missile defense capability."

Principal contractors for the proposed sale would be Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Training; Raytheon; and General Dynamics Armament Systems.

U.S. government or contractor personnel may be required to conduct in-country visits on a five-year period in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, DSCA added.

Lebanon, meanwhile is seeking six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft made in the United States. It is a turboprop light attack aircraft for counter-insurgency, close air support and aerial reconnaissance, as well as for training.

The deal for the aircraft and associated parts carries a value of $462 million.

"This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by providing Lebanon with airborne capabilities needed to maintain internal security, enforce United Nation's Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, and counter terrorist threats," DSCA said.

"The proposed sale of these aircraft will provide Lebanon with a much needed close air support platform to meet present and future challenges posed by internal and border security threats."

In addition to the six aircraft, Lebanon has asked the United States for eight PT6A-68A turboprop engines, ALE-47 counter-measure dispensing systems, 2,000 advanced precision kill weapon systems, missile launch detection systems, and navigation systems.

Also requsted are spare and repair parts, flight testing, maintenance support, support equipment, ferry support, personnel training and training equipment.

The principal contractors would be Sierra Nevada Corporation, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Terma North America and L-3COM Systems.

Periodic travel to Lebanon by U.S. government or contractor personnel may be required.