Proposed deal aims to strengthen Riyadh’s air defence capabilities against regional threats
WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a possible $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the US State Department said Friday, as tensions remain high in the Middle East.
The proposed sale is aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s air defence capabilities and improving its ability to respond to regional threats, according to the State Department.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s airborne defence capability to counter current and future regional threats,” the department said.
The package is also intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence and improve interoperability between its military systems and those operated by US forces and other Gulf partners.
Saudi Arabia targeted by missile and drone attacks
The approval comes as Saudi Arabia has faced missile and drone attacks attributed to Iranian forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The State Department has notified the US Congress of the proposed Saudi arms sale. The deal would still require approval by lawmakers before it can be finalised.
Washington said the proposed sale would also support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of Saudi Arabia, a major non-NATO ally.
US approves additional Saudi engine deal
The State Department separately approved a possible $750 million sale of AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia.
US defence contractor Honeywell would serve as the principal contractor for the engine deal, according to the department.
Washington clears military sales to Oman, Iraq
The United States also approved two other potential defence deals involving Oman and Iraq.
The State Department approved a possible $188 million sale to Oman for F-16 aircraft sustainment services.
Washington also cleared a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters to Iraq.
The three approvals come as Washington continues to strengthen defence cooperation with its regional partners amid heightened security tensions across the Middle East.