12:24 GMT, November 24, 2009 defpro.com | The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress on 20 November of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to Peru for the refurbishment of two NEWPORT-class tank landing ships being provided as Excess Defense Articles (EDA) and associated parts, equipment and logistical support worth approximately $82 million (€54.8 million).

According to the DSCA the Government of Peru has requested for the refurbishment of the two tank landing ships, Ex-Fresno (LST-1182) and Ex-Racine (LST-1191) being provided as EDA (grant EDA notification is being submitted separately) with rigid inflatable boats, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

As the DSCA explains in its official press release, this proposed sale will enable the Peruvian Navy to be interoperable with U.S. forces conducting maritime interdiction operations, improve its ability to execute counter narcotics, and counterterrorism capabilities, and ensure Peru’s overall ability to maintain integrity of its borders. Peru will have no difficulty absorbing the ships into its armed forces.

The press release further says that the prime contractors for this FMS will be VSE Corporation and Fairbanks Morse. According to the DSCA, there are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.