The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Libya for General Purpose Force Training and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $600 million.
The Government of Libya has requested a sale of training for a 6,000 to 8,000 person General Purpose Force. The training includes services for up to 8 years for training, facilities sustainment and improvements, personnel training and training equipment, 637 M4A4 carbines and small arms ammunition, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE), and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $600 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Libya.
The proposed sale will enable Libya to develop, and train a General Purpose Force. The basic, collective and advanced training will be critical for establishing a professional and disciplined General Purpose Force used in protecting Libya’s institutions, facilities, and personnel as well as keeping peace and security within Libya.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors are unknown at this time but will be determined during the competitive bid process. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 350 U.S. Government and contractor personnel for up to 8 years to conduct training at the Novo Selo training site in Bulgaria.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
(Picture: Libyan troops training in Italy)