US Approves $5 Billion Bomb Sale to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON: The United States has approved a potential sale of approximately $5 billion worth of Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) systems to Saudi Arabia, according to the US State Department.

The principal contract for the proposed weapons deal has been awarded to Boeing.

In a separate agreement, the State Department also approved the potential sale of $750 million worth of AGT-150 engines to Saudi Arabia. The contract for the engines is expected to be awarded to Honeywell. The engines are used in military combat tanks.

According to the State Department, the proposed arms sales would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and emerging security threats while improving its readiness, operational capabilities and defence cooperation with the United States.

Washington also approved two other potential defence agreements with Oman and Iraq.

Oman has been approved for a possible $188 million deal covering maintenance and support services for its F-16 fighter aircraft.

The United States also approved a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters to Iraq.

The latest approvals highlight the continued expansion of US defence cooperation with key Middle Eastern partners.