The United States has approved a potential $5 billion arms deal sale to Saudi Arabia as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
The proposed deal includes bombs, guidance kits and other military equipment intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its territory and airspace against regional security threats.
The US State Department announced the approval on Friday, stating that the proposed weapons package would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities and improve its ability to operate alongside US and other Gulf military forces.
According to the department, the sale is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence, address current and emerging regional threats, and improve interoperability with military systems operated by the United States and its Gulf partners.
Washington also approved a separate potential $750 million sale of AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia, with Honeywell named as the principal contractor.
The State Department said the proposed military deals were consistent with US foreign policy and national security objectives, particularly efforts to strengthen the security of Saudi Arabia, which is a major US partner in the region.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone threats from Iran and Yemen-based Houthi forces amid the wider regional conflict that intensified following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran earlier this year.
The $5 billion Saudi arms package has been formally notified to the US Congress for review.
Meanwhile, the United States has also approved additional military-related deals for Oman and Iraq.
Oman is set to receive a potential $188 million package covering sustainment services for its F-16 aircraft, while Iraq has received approval for a possible $150 million purchase of Bell 412EPX helicopters.
The latest approvals reflect Washington’s broader effort to strengthen the military capabilities of its partners and allies across the Gulf and wider Middle East as regional tensions remain high.
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