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The United States has approved a $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s air defence capabilities as tensions rise in the Middle East.
The announcement, made Wednesday by the State Department, comes amid escalating conflict between Saudi forces and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
“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 department said in a statement.
The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems and their warheads. According to the US Navy, these systems provide “an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat.” The principal contractor for the sale will be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Jersey.
The State Department added that the transfer will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, enhance homeland defence, and improve interoperability with US forces and other regional and NATO allies.
“There will be no adverse impact on US Defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the release emphasised.
The timing of the announcement coincides with renewed hostilities in the region. On Monday, Houthi forces launched missiles at Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia, following a Yemeni government attack on Sanaa airport that involved a flight returning from the Iranian supreme leader’s funeral with a Houthi delegation. The Houthis have blamed Riyadh for the incident.
The arms deal also aligns with broader US military actions in the region, including intensified operations against Iran and the reimposition of a naval blockade as tensions continue to mount.
