The United States has given initial approval to sell $3.5 billion worth of air-to-air missiles for Saudi Arabia’s fighter jets, the latest proposed arms deal for the region ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned trip to the region later this month.
The sale, announced early Saturday, likely will be one of several heralded by Trump on his visit to the kingdom.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $3.5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, which includes 1,000 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, 50 guidance sections, and related support. pic.twitter.com/8uWc2SDyRC
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The agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.
The arms sale involves 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, guidance sections and other technical support. The missiles will be built by RTX Corp of Tucson, Ariz.
The Royal Saudi Air Force has the world’s second-largest fleet of F-15 fighter jets after the US.
Saudi Arabia has already said it wants to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years, likely as a way to woo Trump to again pick the kingdom for his first formal trip as president. Trump traveled to Italy briefly for Pope Francis’ funeral.
Source: Agencies
