US to provide $5 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved a potential sale of nearly $5 billion in advanced bombs, guidance systems and military equipment to Saudi Arabia, along with another $750 million deal to sell military engines.

The US State Department said on Friday that it has approved a potential deal to sell JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extended Range) and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The potential deal is estimated to be worth $5 billion.

JDAM is a guidance kit that gives regular bombs the ability to hit specific targets more accurately. Its 'extended range' version increases the ability to hit distant targets.

The deal includes not only bombs and guidance kits, but also a variety of other military equipment and support. These include fuse systems, target identification sensors, storage containers, spare parts, and maintenance equipment.

The proposed package also includes engineering, technical and logistical support from the US government and contractors, with Boeing designated as the prime contractor for the bombs and related equipment.

The US State Department said the deal would enhance Saudi Arabia's air defense capabilities and strengthen the country's military capabilities to counter current and future regional threats.

According to Washington, the agreement will strengthen Saudi Arabia's own territorial defenses and increase coordination between the Saudi military and the military systems of the United States and other Gulf partners.

The United States considers Saudi Arabia an important non-NATO ally. The US State Department says that strengthening Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities is also important for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region. NewLearn languages

Washington also said there would be no major capacity constraints for the country to integrate the proposed weapons into the existing systems of the Saudi armed forces. At the same time, it would not be necessary to send additional US government officials or contractor personnel to Saudi Arabia to implement the deal.

The US State Department assessed that the arms sale would not significantly alter the military balance in the Middle East and would not have a negative impact on the US's own defense preparedness.

The United States has also approved a potential $750 million deal to sell AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia, with Honeywell being named prime contractor.

The US State Department said the sale of the engines would enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the Saudi military, help it counter current and future threats, and enhance military coordination with US forces.

The total value of the two potential deals is estimated at around $5.75 billion.

Washington has also approved military equipment sales to two other Middle Eastern countries. A potential deal to sell F-16 fighter jet maintenance and capability services to Oman is worth $188 million.

Another potential deal worth $150 million has also been approved for the sale of Bell-412EPX helicopters to Iraq.

The US approval of the Saudi military expansion is important amid concerns about security in the Gulf region. At the same time, it is showing approval for military deals for Oman and Iraq, as Washington remains active in its policy of enhancing the defense capabilities of allies and partners in the Middle East. 

Source: Samaa TV