US approves USD1.96b weapons sale to Saudi Arabia

WEB DESK: The US State Department has approved the sale of an estimated USD1.96b in weapons to Saudi Arabia to bolster its air defences amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

As reported by AFP, the department announced the approval on Wednesday, stating that the proposed sale would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

Weapons package

The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems and associated warheads. According to the US Navy, these provide an inexpensive means to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat.

BAE Systems in Nashua, New Jersey, will serve as the principal contractor. The sale is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s homeland defence capabilities, improve its ability to deter current and future threats, and enhance interoperability with US forces as well as other regional and NATO partners. Officials said there would be no adverse impact on US defence readiness.

Regional tensions

The approval comes as Saudi Arabia appears on the brink of renewed conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. The group fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday. Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia at the United Nations and condemned the Houthi attacks.

The Houthi strike followed an incident in which the Yemeni government targeted Sanaa airport to divert a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s supreme leader. The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the action. The US move also coincides with increased American attacks on Iran and the reimposition of a naval blockade as tensions between the two escalate.