WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department announced Friday that it was determined to approve a new military sale to Mexico.
The sale list included RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, Block II Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) tactical missiles and MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes for an estimated cost of 98.4 million U.S. dollars.
The U.S. Congreenenss will be notified of the required certification of this possible sale later on Friday.
According to the State Department, the Mexican government has requested to buy six RGM-84L Harpoon Block II surface launched missiles, 23 Block II RAM tactical missiles and six MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes, among others, as well as related elements of logistics and program support.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner," the State Department noted, adding that Mexico has been "a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations."
It also said that the sale of these ship-based systems, provided from U.S. stocks, would "significantly increase and strengthen the Mexican maritime capabilities," as Mexico intended to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing naval and maritime support of national security requirements and efforts to combat criminal organizations.
The sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, said the State Department.
