The U.S. State Department announced its approval of a potential military sale to Saudi Arabia, with an estimated value of $1.96 billion, including precision weapon systems and various equipment.

The department clarified that the deal includes the purchase of up to 10,000 air-to-air guidance units and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance units from the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II), in addition to LAU-131 A/A launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, MK66 rocket motors, proximity fuses, training warheads, and equipment for testing, launching, and operation.

The State Department added that the sale also includes spare and repair parts, technical documentation, personnel training, as well as training and support equipment, and engineering, technical, and logistical services provided by the U.S. government and the contractor.

Support for Regional Security and Enhancement of Defensive Capabilities

For its part, the department indicated that the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, which it described as a major non-NATO ally and a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.

In the same context, the State Department emphasized that the sale will enhance the Kingdom's ability to deter current and future threats, strengthen its national defenses, and improve operational interoperability with U.S., regional, and NATO forces.

It noted that the new systems will support Saudi aircraft capabilities and enhance their self-defense capacity in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, confirming that the Kingdom is capable of integrating the equipment and services into its armed forces.

Implementation Details and Contractor

It is noted that BAE Systems, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, will be the prime contractor for the sale. Its implementation will require sending 15 U.S. government representatives and 15 contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for an extended period to support technical reviews, training, and maintenance work.