The US approves a $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States on Friday approved the sale of bombs, guidance kits and other military equipment worth approximately $5 billion to Saudi Arabia. According to the State Department, the agreement aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of the US ally in the face of current and future regional threats.

The package will support Saudi Arabia’s territorial defense and improve interoperability between its military systems and those used by US forces and other partners in the Gulf region. Washington maintains that the sale also contributes to its foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a major non-NATO ally.

The decision comes amid military tensions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has been targeted by drone and missile attacks launched by Iranian forces and by the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Tehran. According to AFP, the attacks took place after the outbreak of the war between the United States and Israel, on the one hand, and Iran, on the other, in February.

The approval of the agreement marks a new step in military cooperation between Washington and Riyadh and gives Saudi Arabia access to equipment intended to strengthen its air defenses and its response capabilities in the event of further regional attacks.

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