The United States has authorised a major weapons package worth an estimated $1.96 billion for Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defence capabilities amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the US State Department said the proposed arms transfer aligns with Washington’s foreign policy and security interests by reinforcing the defence of Saudi Arabia, which it described as a key non-NATO ally and an important contributor to regional stability and economic growth in the Gulf.
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The package includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) and their accompanying warheads. According to the US Navy, the precision-guided system offers a cost-effective means of engaging targets while reducing unintended civilian casualties during close-range operations.
The department identified BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Jersey, as the lead contractor for the transaction.
US officials said the sale is expected to improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to both existing and emerging security threats by enhancing the country’s homeland defence capabilities and strengthening military coordination with US, regional and NATO forces.
The approval comes at a time of heightened regional instability, with concerns growing over a possible resurgence of hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Earlier this week, the Houthis launched missile strikes targeting an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha. The attack followed a reported strike by the internationally recognised Yemeni government on Sanaa International Airport, which was intended to prevent the arrival of a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of being responsible for the airport attack.
The weapons deal also coincides with increased military pressure by the United States on Iran, including renewed naval enforcement measures as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify.
The State Department stressed that the proposed sale would not affect the operational readiness of the US military.
AFP
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