The United States has approved potential military sales worth $5.75 billion to Saudi Arabia. The deals include advanced bombs, guidance kits, military engines and related equipment.
The US State Department approved a potential $5 billion Foreign Military Sale involving Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) and associated equipment.
Boeing has been identified as the principal contractor for the proposed weapons package. The company is based in Arlington, Virginia.
Under the proposed deal, Saudi Arabia has requested 5,004 KMU-572 JDAM guidance kits and 5,000 KMU-556 JDAM guidance kits.
The package also includes 5,004 BLU-111 500-pound general-purpose bombs. It includes another 5,000 BLU-117 2,000-pound general-purpose bombs.
Several additional systems and support equipment are included in the proposed agreement. These include FMU-139 fuze systems and DSU-38 and DSU-40 target detectors.
The package would also provide containers, spare parts, consumables, accessories and repair-and-return support. US government and contractor personnel would also provide engineering and technical assistance.
Washington said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s airborne defence capabilities. It would also help the kingdom respond to current and future regional security threats.
The US State Department said the deal would support Saudi homeland defence. It would also improve interoperability between Saudi forces, US forces and other Gulf regional partners.
Washington described Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally. The department said strengthening the kingdom’s defence capabilities supports US foreign policy and national security interests.
The United States also said the proposed weapons sale would not change the military balance in the region. It added that the deal would not require additional US government or contractor representatives to be assigned to Saudi Arabia.
The department further said the sale would not negatively affect US defence readiness. Saudi Arabia is also considered capable of integrating the equipment and services into its armed forces.
Alongside the $5 billion weapons package, Washington approved a separate potential sale of AGT-1500 engines. The engine deal is estimated to be worth $750 million.
Honeywell has been identified as the principal contractor for the engine agreement. The proposed sale is intended to improve Saudi military readiness and operational capabilities.
The United States said the engine package would help Saudi Arabia address current and future threats. It would also support operational requirements and improve interoperability with regional partners.
Together, the two proposed Saudi deals are valued at approximately $5.75 billion. The approvals come as Washington continues efforts to strengthen defence cooperation with Gulf partners.
The United States also approved separate military sales for Oman and Iraq. Oman received approval for a potential $188 million package involving F-16 aircraft sustainment services.
Iraq was separately approved for a potential $150 million purchase of Bell 412EPX helicopters. These approvals highlight Washington’s broader defence support for partners in the Middle East.
The Saudi agreements remain potential sales and will still be subject to the relevant procedures. The proposed packages underline the importance Washington places on Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities.
The State Department said Saudi Arabia contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf. The latest approvals further reflect the kingdom’s position as a key US regional partner.
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