The United States has approved a proposed $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia aimed at enhancing the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the US State Department said the proposed deal aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by supporting the security of Saudi Arabia, a major non-NATO ally.
According to the department, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region.”
The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and associated warheads.
The US Navy describes the system as a cost-effective precision-guided weapon designed to destroy 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 proposed sale.
The department said the weapons package would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to address current and emerging security threats.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence, and improving interoperability with US forces, and other regional and NATO forces,” the statement added.
The approval comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to rise. Earlier this week, the Houthis launched missiles targeting an airport in the Saudi city of Abha.
The missile attack followed strikes by the Yemeni government on Sanaa International Airport, reportedly aimed at preventing the arrival of a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of backing the operation.
The proposed arms sale also coincides with increased military pressure by the United States on Iran, including the reimposition of a naval blockade as hostilities between the two countries intensify.
The State Department maintained that the proposed transaction would not affect US military preparedness, stating, “There will be no adverse impact on US Defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
