The United States has approved a proposed weapons sale worth an estimated $1.96 billion to Saudi Arabia as Washington moves to strengthen the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.
The approval was announced on Wednesday by the US State Department, which said the package is intended to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats while supporting broader American strategic interests in the Gulf.
According to the department, the proposed transaction aligns with US foreign policy objectives by enhancing the defence capacity of one of its key regional allies.
“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 State Department said in a release.
The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) together with associated warheads.
The US Navy describes the precision-guided weapon system as a relatively low-cost solution designed to destroy military targets while minimising collateral damage during combat operations.
The State Department identified BAE Systems, headquartered in Nashua, New Jersey, as the principal contractor for the proposed sale.
Officials also stated that the transaction would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to work alongside American and allied military forces during joint operations.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with US forces, and other regional and NATO forces,” the release said.
The approval comes at a time of heightened security concerns in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia facing renewed threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Earlier this week, Houthi forces launched missiles targeting an airport in Abha, a city in southern Saudi Arabia, raising fears of another round of conflict between the kingdom and the group.
The missile attack followed strikes by the internationally recognised Yemeni government on Sanaa International Airport.
According to reports, the operation was intended to divert a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The Houthis subsequently accused Saudi Arabia of being responsible for the attack on the airport.
The latest weapons approval also coincides with renewed military confrontation between the United States and Iran.
Washington has intensified its military operations against Tehran after reinstating a naval blockade, marking another escalation in hostilities between the two countries.
Despite the size of the proposed deal, the State Department maintained that the sale would not negatively affect the operational readiness of the US military.
“There will be no adverse impact on US Defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the release said.
The proposed sale remains subject to congressional review before it can be finalised.
