The US has approved an arms sale worth approximately $1.96 billion to Saudi Arabia to enhance its air defense capabilities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The US State Department issued a statement revealing that the United States has approved an arms sale worth about $1.96 billion, or roughly 71 billion baht, to Saudi Arabia. It stated that this sale supports US foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security capabilities of Saudi Arabia, a key non-NATO ally with a significant role in political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region.
The weapons Saudi Arabia intends to purchase include up to 20,000 units of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) with warheads. The US Navy noted that this system is cost-effective but can accurately destroy targets while minimizing collateral damage during close combat. BAE Systems, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, will be the main contractor for this project.
The US State Department added that this arms sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to address current and future threats, strengthen national defense, and improve joint operational capabilities with the US military as well as allied forces in the region and NATO member states.
This approval comes at a time when tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen have intensified again, following a missile attack on Abha Airport in southern Saudi Arabia last Monday.
The attack occurred after the Yemeni government struck Sanaa Airport to block flights returning from the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader, which included a Houthi delegation. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of being behind the airport attack.
Additionally, the arms sale approval coincides with the US increasing military operations against Iran after reinstating a naval blockade, as both sides enter a period of military confrontation.
The US State Department confirmed that this arms sale will not affect the readiness of the US military in any way.
Source:channelnewsasia
Click to read related news onInternational News