Israel - M72A7 Light Anti-Armor Weapons

(Washington, September 9, 2008) -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of M72A7 Light Anti-Armor Weapons (LAAWs) as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $89 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 28,000 M72A7 66mm Light Anti-Armor Weapons (LAAWs), 60,000 M72AS 21mm Sub-Caliber Training Rockets, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $89 million.


Israel's strategic position makes it vital to the United States' interests throughout the Middle East. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support the Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by providing the Israeli Government with a lightweight assault rocket that will enable Israel to maintain its operational capability, and provide greater mission flexibility to deter aggression in the region. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this weapon capability into its armed forces.

Source : US Defense Security Cooperation Agency