Washington approves $1.96 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, July 16 (YPA) – The United States has approved a proposed arms deal with Saudi Arabia valued at an estimated $1.96 billion, which includes up to 20,000 precision-guided weapon systems and their warheads, amid escalating attacks and military tensions in the region.

According to a statement issued by the US Department of State, the deal aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities and improve operational coordination between Riyadh, US forces, and other countries in the region.

The department said that “the proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a key non-NATO ally that serves as a driving force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”

The equipment requested by Saudi Arabia includes up to 20,000 units of “advanced precision-guided lethal weapon systems,” along with their designated warheads.

The US Navy describes these systems as a low-cost means of accurately targeting locations while reducing surrounding damage during close combat operations.

The US State Department said that BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, will be the main contractor for the deal. The department emphasized that implementing the proposed sale “will not have any adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.”

The statement added that the deal “will enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its domestic defense capabilities and improving joint operational interoperability with U.S. forces, regional partners, and NATO forces.”

@E.Y.M