The United States (US) has approved a potential $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the US State Department said, as Washington also cleared separate military sales to Oman and Iraq.
The proposed Saudi package includes Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range systems, which are guidance kits that improve the accuracy and range of air-dropped bombs.
Boeing has been named the principal contractor for the deal, according to the State Department.
The department said the proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia’s airborne defence capabilities against current and future regional threats, strengthen its homeland defence and improve interoperability with US forces and other Gulf partners.
The package will also support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of Saudi Arabia, which the United States designates as a major non-Nato ally, the department said.
Separately, Washington approved a possible $750 million sale of AGT-1500 engines to Saudi Arabia.
Honeywell has been identified as the principal contractor for the engine deal.
According to the State Department, the proposed sales will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to regional security threats.
It has notified the US Congress of the proposed bomb sale, which remains subject to approval by lawmakers.
The latest approvals also cover military-related equipment and services for Oman and Iraq.
The United States has approved a possible $188 million package for Oman covering sustainment services for its F-16 aircraft. Such services support the continued operation and maintenance of existing aircraft.
For Iraq, the State Department approved a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters.
