Seasparrows To Thailand

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced yesterday that it had notified Congress of a proposed $18 million sale of nine Evolved Seasparrow Missiles (ESSM) and associated equipment to the Southeast Asian country.

According to the DSCA statement:

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of Thailand to contribute to regional security and improving interoperability with the U.S. Military in operational and exercise scenarios. It is consistent with U.S. national interests to assist Thailand in developing and maintaining a strong and ready ship self-defense capability which will contribute to the military balance in the area.

ESSM provides ship self-defense capability. The proposed sale will add to Thailand's capability to meet current and future threats from anti-ship weapons.

The proposed [Foreign Military Sale] case includes support equipment, training and technical assistance required for the [Royal Thai Navy] to effectively incorporate the ESSM into its fleet. With this support, RTN will have no difficulty absorbing the ESSM into its frigates and being fully operational.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Tucson, AZ-based Raytheon Missile Systems and Aberdeen, SD-based BAE Systems would be the prime contractors, according to DSCA.