The U.S. approves SM2 Block IIIA SAM sale to Chile

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) including Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA Missiles and related equipment to Chile for an estimated cost of $85.0 million, Defence Security Cooperation Agency announced.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner in South America.” DSCA has outlined in the statement.

The proposed sale includes sixteen Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA (two of them fitted with telemeter head), two MK 89 Mod 0 Guidance Sections, and one Target Detection Device Kit (including shroud).

Chile procured two Oliver Hazard Perry-class (Ex-Melbourne and Ex-Newcastle) from the Royal Australian Navy and commissioned the frigates in April 2020. Chilean Navy has renamed the ships as Almirante Latorre and Captain Pratt.

The ships were upgraded with an eight-cell Mk 41 VLS with 32 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. After the transfer, the ships were fitted with Thales Goalkeeper CIWS instead of Phalanx.

Just ten months after commissioning, the sale of SM-2 Block-IIIA missiles would support Chile’s anti-air warfare capabilities. SM-2 Block-IIA is a strong surface-air-missile that has an operational range of up to 90 nautical miles.

The post The U.S. approves SM2 Block IIIA SAM sale to Chile appeared first on Naval News.