Saudi Arabia Requests $631M in LAVs, Equipment

CF LAV & Coyote,Afghanistan(click to view full) In July 2006, “The 2006 Saudi Shopping Spree: A Hardened, Networked National Guard” explained the SANG’s importance within the Saudi political structure, and covered a $5.8 billion request for LAVs wheeled armored personnel carriers, weapons, and C4ISR equipment to modernize that force. That official DSCA request has yet to be followed by a contract; when we talked to GDLS in October 2007, they said that negotiations were underway, and that they expect to complete a deal some time in 2008. In the meantime, a second request for LAVs, Hummers, trucks, and weapons has been submitted. At $600+ million, the October 2007 request on behalf of the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation is comparatively small. Barring some unforseen Congressional resolution within 30 days, the clock can begin ticking on negotiations for a second set of LAVs and related equipment for different branch of the Saudi armed forces. USMC LAV-25(click to view full) Oct 4/07: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] a second, smaller formal request from Saudi Arabia for Light Armored Vehicles and High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles, as well as associated equipment and services. The LAV is already the Saudi […]