Turkey is looking to buy six Lockheed Martin [LMT] MK 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) recently said.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $227 million, according to DSCA.
In addition to the six VLS Baseline VII tactical modules, Turkey has requested the sale of two sets of MK 41 VLS upgrade kits to modernize two MEKO Track IIA frigates, four ex-Perry-class FFG Frigates and to upgrade two MEKO Track IIB MK-41 VLS from Baseline IV to Baseline VII configuration, DSCA said.
Included with the MK 41 VLS are the ship’s fire control system upgrades to allow for Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile capability, installation and testing, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, launch system software development and maintenance and other related elements of logistics support, DSCA said.
The proposed sale of VLS to Turkey will contribute to U.S. security objectives by improving the Turkish Navy’s ability to contribute to coalition and NATO operations and the Global War on Terrorism, and coalition operations such as United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and BLACKSEAFOR in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean regions, DSCA said.
The proven reliability and compatibility of like systems in association with numerous platforms will foster increased interoperability with U.S., NATO and coalition forces, and expand regional defenses to counter common threats to border and shipping assets in the region. The Turkish Navy can easily integrate this system capability into its concept of operations and will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces, according to DSCA.