“US Greenlights $2.2 Billion Weaponry Deal with Saudi Arabia and UAE”
The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has revealed that the Department of State has greenlighted the sale of armaments and munitions to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with a total value exceeding $2.2 billion.
As per distinct press releases released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Saudi Arabia has received approval to procure Hellfire II missiles worth $655 million, alongside munitions for artillery systems, machine guns, and tanks approximating $139 million, as well as missiles and support initiatives valued at $252 million. The UAE has likewise been authorized for a prospective sale of armaments worth $1.2 billion.
The specifics of the UAE transaction encompass the acquisition of 259 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), 1,554 M31A1 rockets, and 203 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). This arrangement also encompasses training programs, software development, and engineering and logistical support services.
For Saudi Arabia, the initial agreement comprised authorization for the sale of 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles valued at $252 million, which includes training, technical, and logistical support programs. The subsequent agreement involved artillery systems, machine guns, tanks, and other equipment worth $139 million, which includes 10,000 M456 105mm anti-tank rounds, in addition to various ammunition types for tanks, howitzers, machine guns, and hand grenades. The third agreement involved the sale of 2,503 AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles, along with essential technical and logistical support initiatives.
The announcement emphasized that these agreements will further U.S. foreign policy and national security aims by bolstering the security of crucial regional allies, fostering political stability and economic advancement in the Middle East.
Furthermore, this will improve the capabilities of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in addressing present and upcoming threats through the modernization of their military forces. The statements confirmed that these agreements and the accompanying support “will not modify the fundamental military equilibrium in the region.”
