Mexico is on the verge of being a failed state, swept by violence from powerful drug cartels who have turned the nation’s cities and villages into bloody battlegrounds.
Something needs to be done. But how exactly does Mexico buying antiship and antiaircraft missiles help the situation?
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department approved a $98.4 million weapons sale to Mexico, including RGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) systems designed to shoot down antiship missiles and Mark 54 antisubmarine torpedoes. The high-tech weaponry is intended for the Mexican Navy’s new Sigma 10514–class long-range patrol ships.
Mexico hasn’t fought a conventional war since World War II, where it sent an expeditionary force to fight alongside the Americans in the Pacific. (Photo: Yahoo News)
“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,” said the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees arms sales to other nations. “Mexico has been a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations. The sale of these ship-based systems to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its maritime capabilities. Mexico intends 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 in its efforts to combat criminal organizations.”
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Source: The National Interest
