The United States has approved a $1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid growing security concerns and rising tensions across the Middle East.
The approval was announced by the US State Department on Wednesday, which said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the defence capabilities of Saudi Arabia, a major non-NATO ally.
“The proposed sale will support the security of a major non-NATO ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a statement.
The proposed defence package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) along with associated warheads.
US approves nearly $2.5 billion in defence deals for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, including missiles, launch systems, equipment and long-term military support packages https://t.co/npzsaPQNbF
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The US Navy describes the APKWS as a precision-guided weapon system designed to strike targets effectively while reducing collateral damage during close-combat operations.
The State Department said the deal would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defence and improving coordination with US forces, regional partners and NATO allies.
The principal contractor for the weapons system will be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Jersey.
The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed tensions with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement after the group launched missiles toward an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha.
The attack followed a strike by Yemeni government forces on Sanaa airport, which was aimed at disrupting a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the airport attack, further increasing tensions between Riyadh and the group.
The weapons deal also comes as the United States increases military pressure on Iran amid renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
The State Department said the proposed sale would not affect US defence readiness and would strengthen cooperation between American forces and allied militaries.
The agreement highlights Washington’s continued support for Gulf security partnerships as conflicts and geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the Middle East.
