The US State Department announced Wednesday it had approved a potential $1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, as hostilities intensify across the Middle East.
The US Navy describes the APKWS as an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat © Navair
The US State Department announced Wednesday it had approved a potential $1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, as hostilities intensify across the Middle East.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region," the State Department said in a statement.
The package includes up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance sections and up to 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-ground guidance sections, along with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuses, spare parts, training equipment and logistics support.
The US Navy describes the APKWS as an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat. BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, will serve as the principal contractor.
The State Department said the sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats by reinforcing its homeland defense and improving interoperability with US, regional and NATO forces.
The approval comes as Houthi rebels launched missiles toward Saudi Arabia on Monday, after accusing Riyadh of striking Sanaa airport, reigniting the Yemen conflict after years of relative calm.
It also follows a sharp escalation between Washington and Tehran, with the US intensifying strikes against Iran after reimposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
A separate $484 million sustainment package for Kuwait's C-17 fleet was also approved the same day.
Saudi oil giant Aramco announced Tuesday a 44% surge in net profit for the second quarter compared to the same period last year, driven by soaring crude prices amid the war in the Middle East.
Iran is betting it can outlast Washington by turning the Middle East's trade routes, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure into pressure points that steadily raise the cost of confrontation, according to Gulf officials and analysts.
Conflicting signals from the United States and Iran over the status of talks to end their five-month-old war boosted uncertainty on Tuesday, with the latest attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz highlighting risks to global energy flows.
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