The United States has approved a proposed $1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US State Department announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, the department said the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, which it described as a major non-NATO ally.
Among the weapons included in the package are up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and associated warheads. According to the US Navy, the precision-guided weapons are designed to destroy targets while minimising collateral damage.
The principal contractor for the deal will be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire.
The State Department said the sale would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence and improve interoperability with US, regional and NATO forces.
The proposed arms sale comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement have intensified following a missile attack on Abha Airport in southern Saudi Arabia earlier this week.