The U.S. government has given the go-ahead for major arms sales worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This project aimes to bolster its alliance with these Gulf nations as the Middle East faces mounting turmoil.
US State Department informed Congress of its approval to sell Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, along with ammunition for tanks & machine guns, to Saudi Arabia. The deal is valued at over $1 billion. This move follows President Biden’s decision in August to lift restrictions on selling offensive weapons to Riyadh, a tactic aimed at pressuring Saudi Arabia to end its involvement in Yemen’s ongoing conflict with Houthi rebels.
Alongside the Saudi deal, US has also approved the potential sale of advanced weaponry to the UAE. This includes GMLRS guided-rocket systems, long-range ATACMS missiles, and related training, with a value of up to $1.2 billion.
If Congress does not intervene to block the deals, both nations and their contractors can begin contract negotiations, adjusting the scope of purchase. Lockheed Martin will supply most of the weapons, while RTX Corp. manufactures the Sidewinder missiles. These arms sales highlight Washington’s intent to maintain strong defence ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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