State Department approves $85M missile sale to Chile

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of SM-2 rail-launched missiles to Chile, and has delivered its recommendation to the U.S. Congress.

The $85 million sale includes 16 SM-2 Block IIIA rail-launched missiles, two MK 89 Mod 0 guidance section adapter, a target detection device kit, MK 45 Mod 14 naval gun systems and associated training and supplies, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency announcement.

The determination, the first foreign sale approved by President Joe Biden's administration, by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency typically precedes approval by the U.S. Senate.

In the announcement on Friday, DSCA noted that Chile acquired two missile-carrying Adelaide-class frigates, capable of firing the missiles, from the Royal Australian Navy in 2019.

It added that the sale would support Chile's anti-warfare capabilities and not alter the region's military balance.

Chile's rocket-launching capabilities only include the Rayo truck-mounted artillery missile, a joint project involving Chile and Britain, begun in 1989 and cancelled in 2002.