The United States has approved a potential sale of bombs, JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition–Extended Range) guidance kits, and related equipment to Saudi Arabia worth approximately $5 billion.
The United States has approved a potential $5 billion sale of bombs, JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition–Extended Range) guidance kits, and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The package includes more than 10,000 guidance kits and a similar number of bombs. Saudi Arabia’s request includes 5,004 BLU-111 500-pound bombs and 5,000 BLU-117 2,000-pound bombs. Boeing has been named the principal contractor for the deal. According to the U.S. State Department, the proposed sale is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air and territorial defense capabilities, help counter regional threats, and enhance interoperability between U.S. and Gulf allied forces.
On the same day, the United States also approved a potential $750 million sale of 60 AGT-1500 tank engines to Saudi Arabia, with Honeywell named as the principal contractor. However, the proposed arms deal has not yet been finalized. The U.S. administration has approved the potential Foreign Military Sale and notified Congress. Lawmakers have approximately 30 days to object to or block the proposed sale.The development comes amid heightened military tensions between the United States, Iran, and Gulf countries.
