US Approves $1.96bn Weapons Sale To Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved the sale of nearly $2 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia to strengthen the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US State Department said the proposed deal, estimated at $1.96 billion, aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, which it described as a major non-NATO ally and a key contributor to political stability and economic growth in the Gulf region.

The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and related warheads.

According to the US Navy, the precision-guided weapons provide a cost-effective means of destroying targets while reducing collateral damage during close combat operations.

The State Department identified BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Jersey, as the principal contractor for the deal.

It added that the sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter existing and emerging threats, strengthen the country’s homeland defence, and enhance interoperability with US forces as well as other regional and NATO partners.

The approval comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensify.

The Houthis reportedly launched missiles at Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia on Monday after the Yemeni government struck Sanaa airport to divert a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The Houthis accused Riyadh of being responsible for the attack on Sanaa airport.

The arms sale also coincides with increased US military pressure on Iran, including renewed waves of attacks and the reimposition of a naval blockade as hostilities between both countries escalate.

The State Department said the proposed sale would not affect the operational readiness of the US military.

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