Saudi Arabia has received clearance from the U.S. State Department to purchase missiles, ammunition and other weapon systems via three foreign military sale transactions worth potentially $1.05 billion.
In June 2024 the Biden administration lifted a three-year ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia intended to pressure the Kingdom to moderate its conflict in Yemen.
On October 11, the U.S. State Department approved three Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Saudi Arabia worth potentially $1.05 billion.
According to a U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement:
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by ensuring the readiness of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats, provide increased air defense capabilities, and support conducting self-defense and regional security missions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”
The DSCA has notified Congress of the FMS.
Saudi Arabia has requested to buy 2,503
AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles and related equipment for $655 million approximately, with
Lockheed Martin as the principal contractor.
In addition, $251.8 million for
AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and related elements of logistics and program support and $139 million for
ammunition for artillery systems, machine guns and tanks and related equipment have been requested.
Al-Arabiya reports that separately, “the Pentagon announced the approval of the possible sale of 259 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31A1 Unitary Pods, which include 1,554 missiles at six missiles per pod. Another 203 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) M57 Unitary Missiles are also included in the $1.2 billion deal.”
DSCA commented that, “The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and improve interoperability with systems operated by US Forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents.”
Just this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman about the U.S. commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defense.
