The United States on Friday approved a $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia that includes bombs, bomb guidance kits and other military equipment. The State Department said the deal would enhance the kingdom's air-defense capabilities against current and future regional threats.
The State Department said in a statement that the sale would "strengthen the kingdom's air defense and interior defenses and improve interoperability with systems used by U.S. forces and other partners in the Gulf region." The department added that the deal would support U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security interests by strengthening a key ally outside NATO.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated attacks by drones and missiles from Iran and Houthi militants in Yemen, who are backed by Tehran. The State Department notified Congress of the proposed ammunition sale to Riyadh.
The deal still requires approval from U.S. lawmakers.
