As the war with Iran continues, the United States has taken a significant decision, approving the sale of bombs worth approximately $5 billion, along with precision guidance kits that direct them accurately to their targets, and other military equipment, to Saudi Arabia. Amid the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Saudi Arabia has been facing drone and missile attacks from Iran and Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels. The US says this deal will help strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities in this context.
The US State Department said these weapons would enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter aerial threats, and that they would help address both current and future regional risks. It further stated that alongside boosting Saudi security, the deal would also improve the kingdom’s ability to operate jointly with US and Gulf military systems.
Saudi Arabia is a major non-NATO ally of the United States. The State Department said the deal would strengthen Saudi security and, in turn, benefit US foreign policy and national security objectives. However, the arms sale has not yet been fully finalized, with the State Department having already notified Congress about the deal, pending final approval from US lawmakers.
According to the latest reports, the approved package includes over 10,000 JDAM-ER precision guidance kits along with approximately 10,000 bombs. Around the same time, the US also approved a separate sale of AGT-1500 tank engines worth $750 million to Saudi Arabia, with Honeywell serving as the prime contractor for that deal.