MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Harpoon missiles for Chilean Navy new frigates

United States Defence Department approved the sale of twenty “Harpoon” missiles as well as associated equipment and services, which will help improve the capability and flexibility of Chilean Navy frigates purchased to the Netherlands.

However the operation still has to be approved by the US Congress.

The estimated cost of the operation 50 million US dollars includes the 20 RGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles, containers, training devices, spare and repair parts, supply and technical support, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, US government and contractor engineering and logistics support services and other related elements of logistic support.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency the sale will contribute to US foreign policy and national security by "improving the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America".

The missiles will assist the Chilean Navy to develop and enhance standardization and operational ability with the United States.

"Chile will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces", states the official release adding that "the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region".

The prime contractor is The Boeing Company of St, Louis, Missouri.