U.S. approves military sale to Spain — sonar upgrade kits

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Spain for seven AN/SQQ-32(V)3+ mine-hunting sonar upgrade kits, with an estimated value of $75 million, according to a U.S. government notice identified as Transmittal 26-93.

In addition to the upgrade kits, the package would include towed body parts, support equipment, spare parts, consumables and accessories, unclassified operation and maintenance software, unclassified publications and technical documentation, as well as studies, surveys, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. The United States says Spain will be able to integrate the equipment and services into its armed forces without difficulty.

Washington framed the proposed sale as a step that advances U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening a NATO ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress in Europe. The upgrade is intended to bolster Spain’s ability to detect, classify and neutralize underwater threats, close a potential capability gap in its mine countermeasure forces, and support continued participation in NATO maritime security operations.

The State Department said the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

There is no principal contractor associated with the deal. The articles and support would be provided by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida. The U.S. government is not aware of any proposed offset agreements tied to the potential sale, and no additional U.S. government or contractor personnel would be required to deploy to Spain for implementation.

As with all potential Foreign Military Sales, the notification marks the start of the congressional review process. The value and scope of any eventual contract may change based on negotiations.