The United States has approved a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia worth around nine billion dollars. The deal includes Patriot interceptor missiles along with related defense equipment. This sale is aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s air and missile defense capabilities.
According to the Pentagon, the State Department granted approval for the sale on Friday. Saudi Arabia formally requested the purchase of 730 PAC-3 MSE Patriot missiles. As a result, the request moved forward under US foreign military sales regulations.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractor for the agreement. The company will supply Patriot advanced capability missile systems. These systems are designed to enhance protection against aerial and missile threats.
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The Pentagon said the proposed sale will not alter the military balance in the Middle East. Officials also emphasized that the deal will not affect US defense readiness. Therefore, Washington sees no strategic risk in approving the sale.
Separately, the State Department approved additional military sales to Israel. These deals are valued at more than six point five billion dollars. They include joint light tactical vehicles and Apache helicopters under separate contracts.
