The US has approved new weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia worth a combined $2.25 billion, the Pentagon announced on Friday.
In separate statements, the Pentagon said that the State Department had approved the possible sale of 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles and other related equipment worth an estimated $251.8 million.
The US also approved the possible sale of 2,503 AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles and other logistical support worth an estimated $655 million.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and improve interoperability with systems operated by US Forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents,” the Pentagon said.
The final sale approved was for $139 million for 10,000 M456 series, 105mm, High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer cartridges and various types of tank, howitzer, and machine gun ammunition.
In a call earlier this week, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin affirmed to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Washington’s commitment to the Kingdom’s defense and thanked him for Riyadh’s work to promote calm in the Middle East.
Separately, the Pentagon announced the approval of the possible sale of 259 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31A1 Unitary Pods, which include 1,554 missiles at six missiles per pod. Another 203 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) M57 Unitary Missiles are also included in the $1.2 billion deal
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