Saudis Seek Sniper ATP Supplementation for F-15S

Sniper ATPs(click to view full) On Dec 7/07 the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s request for 40 of Lockheed Martin’s AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods, which would replace the older LANTIRN twin-pod systems installed on Saudi F-15S Strike Eagles. Sniper ATP pods significantly enhance an aircraft’s strike capability by adding stabilized long-range laser tracking and targeting illumination, high performance day/night surveillance, GPS targeting capabilities, and even some air-air target detection and tracking abilities to aircraft using them. Most DSCA announcements attract little attention, but Saudi sales are facing some political hurdles in Congress these days. Sniper ATP(click to view full) The estimated contract value for the Sniper ATPs would be $220 million, which would include aircraft installation and checkout, digital data recorders/cartridges, pylons, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Company in Dallas, TX would be the prime contractor, and implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of about 4 contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia. It will also require U.S government and contractor personnel to travel to Saudi Arabia to conduct annual, one-week […]