U.S. Approves $101.1M Sale of Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems to Saudi Arabia

The United States State Department has approved a potential $101.1 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia, which includes Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) and related equipment to enhance Riyadh's surveillance capabilities and bolster homeland defense.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) officially notified Congress of this proposed sale, which includes military hardware and support. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in acquiring fifty Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 2 (BU2) Terminals, along with one hundred MIDS-LVT BU2 Retrofit Kits.

This proposed sale builds upon a previous FMS case valued at $12.6 million, which provided thirty-five MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) and twenty-four MIDS-LVT BU2 Retrofit Kits. Saudi Arabia is also seeking a new FMS case, which encompasses an additional one hundred ninety-four MIDS JTRS and thirteen MIDS-LVT BU2 Terminals.

The comprehensive package further includes TacNet Tactical Radios, Low Volume Terminal Cryptographic Modules, various communications equipment, support gear, engineering and technical assistance, training services, and related logistics support.