The United States has approved a proposed $5 billion sale of bombs, guidance kits and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, the State Department announced on Friday. The deal comes as Riyadh faces repeated drone and missile attacks amid escalating regional tensions.
The State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s airborne defence capabilities against current and future regional threats. It also said the equipment would improve the country’s homeland defence and interoperability with US forces and other Gulf partners.
US Cites Regional Security Needs
According to the department, the agreement would support US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of Saudi Arabia, which Washington recognizes as a Major non-NATO Ally.
Saudi Arabia has faced drone and missile attacks from Iranian forces and Yemen’s Tehran-backed Houthi rebels since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran earlier this year. Consequently, Washington has emphasized the need to reinforce Riyadh’s defensive capabilities.
The proposed package includes bombs, guidance kits and other military equipment intended to enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to aerial threats. The US government has presented the deal primarily as a measure to strengthen defence and regional security.
Congress Must Approve Proposed Sale
The State Department has formally notified Congress about the proposed arms sale to Riyadh. However, US lawmakers must still review and approve the agreement before the transaction can proceed.
The notification comes as Washington and its Gulf partners continue to address growing security concerns across the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has sought stronger protection against missile and drone threats linked to the broader conflict.
If Congress approves the agreement, the sale would mark a significant expansion of US military support for Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the package could strengthen defence coordination between Riyadh, Washington and other regional partners.
