Amid the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, Washington has approved a potential $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The news was reported in an online dispatch by wire agency AFP on Saturday (Sept. 5).
The U.S. State Department said Friday that the proposed arms sale is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air defense and internal security capabilities. It is also meant to enhance the country’s ability to counter current and future regional threats and improve coordination with U.S. forces and other Gulf partners.
The State Department also said the package would help advance Washington’s foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening Saudi Arabia’s security. It described Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
According to the report, the proposed U.S. arms package includes thousands of guidance kits and bombs, along with fuzes, target detectors, various containers, support equipment, spare parts and technical assistance.
The U.S. State Department has notified Congress of the proposed arms sale. However, final completion of the sale will require approval from U.S. lawmakers.
In other words, Friday’s approval is not a completed arms deal, but rather one step in the process of a potential arms transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran earlier this year, Saudi Arabia has been a target of drone and missile attacks by Iranian forces and Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.