The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $9 billion. The approval comes after a request by Saudi Arabia to purchase 730 Patriot advanced capability-3 missile segment enhancement missiles, known as PAC-3 MSE. 

Lockheed Martin Corp will serve as the principal contractor for the sale, which will not result in any adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.

According to the State Department, the sale is intended to 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 enhanced missile capability is expected to protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies. It will also significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region, the department added.

The announcement of the sale comes amid ongoing security concerns in the Middle East and follows a series of arms agreements by the United States with regional partners.