WASHINGTON—The United States has approved two potential
defense deals with Saudi Arabia with an estimated combined value of $5.75
billion, in a transaction that includes the sale of weapons and military
components to the Saudi kingdom.
According to Reuters, the first deal is valued at
approximately $5 billion and includes long-range JDAM missiles, with Boeing as
the prime contractor.
The second deal, for around $750 million, involves AGT-1500
engines, with Honeywell as the prime contractor.
The approval of these potential sales represents a new
development in the military cooperation relationship between Washington and
Riyadh, two strategic US allies in the Middle East.
These agreements are part of the process for authorizing US
military sales abroad, and their approval does not necessarily mean that all
acquisitions have been finalized. The operation also reflects the continued
importance of Saudi Arabia as a defense partner of Washington in a region
marked by geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts.