Article Posted on : - May 07, 2014

The Harpoon missile. A Boeing photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): The US Government has cleared a proposal to sell AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and associated equipment worth $169 million to Brazil under the Foreign Military Sales deal.

The Brazilian Government had requested a possible sale of 16 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles, 4 CATM-84L Harpoon Block II captive air training missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment among others, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Pentagon wing which coordinates FMS deals, announced on May 6.

"The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Brazil, which has been, and continues to be, an important force for regional stability and economic progress in South America," the defence agency said.

The Brazilian Air Force (BrAF) is in the process of modernising and upgrading its Anti-Surface Warfare capability on its P-3 aircraft.

The modernisation will enhance the BrAF P-3's capabilities for its Counter-Transnational Organized Crime efforts, maritime border security, and protection of off-shore assets," the DSCA said.