Washington (TDI): The United States has approved a possible $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, including bombs, guidance kits and other military equipment, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
The US State Department said the proposed package would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities, help it counter current and future regional threats and improve coordination with US forces and other Gulf partners.
The approval comes as Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone attacks during the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.
The State Department 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.
Washington has notified Congress about the proposed weapons sale, which still requires approval from US lawmakers.
The State Department also approved a possible $750 million sale of AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia. US defense company Honeywell has been named as the principal contractor for the engine deal.
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Meanwhile, Washington approved two additional military sales to Oman and Iraq. Oman could receive F-16 aircraft sustainment services under a potential deal estimated at $188 million. Iraq has also been approved for a possible $150 million purchase of Bell 412EPX helicopters.
Saudi Arabia has been targeted by Iranian forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels with missile and drone attacks since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran earlier this year.
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The latest US approvals highlight Washington’s continued focus on strengthening the military capabilities of its partners in the Gulf and wider Middle East as the regional conflict continues to threaten security and stability.
