The United States has approved a proposed $5 billion weapons package for Saudi Arabia as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
The deal includes bombs, guidance systems and other military equipment intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its territory against missile and drone attacks.
According to the US State Department, the proposed package would enhance Riyadh’s air defence capabilities and help it respond to both existing and emerging security threats in the region.
The department also said the deal would improve coordination between Saudi Arabia’s military and US forces, as well as other American partners in the Gulf.
Washington described Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, saying the proposed sale would contribute to US national security and foreign policy objectives by strengthening the kingdom’s security.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone attacks linked to Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The proposed transaction has been formally presented to the US Congress for review. Although the State Department has approved the sale, it must still receive lawmakers’ approval before it can be finalised.
