WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a proposed $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating security challenges across the Middle East.
According to the US State Department, the package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and associated warheads. The principal contractor for the sale will be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Jersey.
How Will the Proposed Weapons Package Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s Defence?
The State Department said the proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, a Major Non-NATO Ally, and strengthening its ability to deter current and future threats.
The package is expected to improve Saudi Arabia’s homeland air defence capabilities while enhancing interoperability with US and allied regional forces. The department also emphasized that the sale would have no adverse impact on US military readiness.
The approval comes amid heightened regional instability, with tensions rising between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement following recent missile attacks targeting Abha International Airport. The proposed sale will now move through the US congressional notification process before final implementation.