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No. 144-98
MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS
September 16, 1998
The Department of Defense announced today the possible sale to the Government of the Netherlands of 24 SM-2 Block IIIA STANDARD missiles (16 tactical missiles with warheads and eight telemetry missiles), containers, canisters, spare and repair parts, supply support, engineering technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $24 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capabilities of the Netherlands and furthering standardization and interoperability.
The Netherlands will install these missiles on their new frigates and operate the frigates in a manner similar to its current ship operations. The Netherlands, which already has STANDARD missiles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be Standard Missile Co., McLean, Va. and Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz. There are no offset agreement proposed to be entered into in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this sale may require the assignment of U.S. Government personnel or contractor representatives in-country for up to two weeks for engineering technical assistance following delivery of the missiles.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
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