The United States will deliver a large number of Javelin FGM-148F missiles anti-tank guided missiles to Tunisia.
According to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the program support for an estimated cost of $107.7 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Tuesday, December 3.
The Government of Tunisia has requested to buy one hundred eighty-four (184) Javelin FGM-148F missiles (includes four (4) fly-to-buy missiles); and thirty (30) Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU). Also included is missile simulation round System Integration and Check out (SICO); Javelin Restricted Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM); Javelin operator manual and Technical Assistance (TAGM); tools; spare parts; indoor/outdoor trainers; Javelin gunner training; Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) training; Javelin maintenance training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $107.7 million.
The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL, and RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ.
The FMG-148F Javelin ATGM will join BGM-71 TOW mounted on HMMWV with some assumed to equip M901 ITV, and MILAN ATGM in Tunisian Army service inventory.
Tunisia continues to rely greatly on the United States for its defence equipment and training needs. The has provided a number of weapon systems to the North African nation.
This November, the United States government delivered a C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force. The delivery of this aircraft, valued at 36 million Tunisian dinars ($12 million), underscores the U.S. commitment to expanding the Tunisian Air Force’s air transport capabilities. The C-139 joins four other in Tunisia’s inventory.
Similarly, in September, the Tunisian Air Force significantly enhanced its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the acquisition of four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft from the United States.
Likewise in August, the United States’ State Department approved the sale of 65-foot Archangel boats to Tunisia, valued at $49.3 million.