State Department approves potential weapons sale to Mexico

Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of both RAM and Harpoon missiles to Mexico.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced approval the $98.4 million sale in a press release Friday, after notifying Congress of the potential sale.

Mexico is looking to procure six RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, which are all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile defense systems, along with the 23 Rolling Airframe Missile, or RAM, guided-missile weapon systems designed to eliminate anti-ship missiles and six Mark 54 Lightweight Hybrid Torpedoes, which is an anti-submarine warfare torpedo.

The deal would also include additional guided-missile round packs, torpedo tube, 250-round rounds of AA98 25-mm high-explosive and semi-armor piercing ammunition, 750 rounds of tracer ammunition and practice rounds, 480-rounds of BA22 57mm high explosive programmable fuse ammunition, and 960 rounds of BA23 57mm practice ammunition, as well as containers, spare parts, test equipment, publications and technical documentation, and personnel training and equipment.

The DSCA said the proposed sale will support the "foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. Mexico has been a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations. The sale of these ship-based systems to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its maritime capabilities."

The weapon systems procured will be integrated into the Mexican Navy Sigma 10514 Class ship, the DSCA said.