WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has notified Congress of a potential $5 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia involving thousands of bombs and precision-guidance kits, as Riyadh conducts renewed airstrikes in Yemen.
The proposed package includes 5,000 BLU-117 2,000-pound bombs and 5,004 BLU-111 500-pound bombs. Additionally, the sale covers 10,004 extended-range Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, guidance kits designed to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons.
Boeing would serve as the principal contractor for the proposed transfer.
However, the congressional notification does not represent a final contract, and the proposed transaction must pass through the required review process before completion.
Congress Gets 30 Days to Review Proposed Sale
Congress received notification of the proposed sale on September 4, triggering a 30-day review period.
Journalist Aída Chávez noted that any senator could force a vote on an effort to block the weapons transfer.
Consequently, lawmakers could still challenge the proposed sale before Washington and Riyadh finalise an agreement.
Yemen War Record Draws Renewed Scrutiny
The proposed transfer comes amid renewed Saudi air operations in Yemen, where Riyadh previously led a military coalition against the Houthis beginning in 2015.
A UN-brokered truce in 2022 brought a relative lull after seven years of intensive conflict.
Moreover, the UN Development Programme estimated that Yemen’s war had caused approximately 377,000 deaths by the end of 2021 through direct violence and indirect consequences including hunger, disease and the collapse of essential services.
The latest arms proposal therefore arrives as renewed fighting in Yemen places Saudi military operations and Washington’s defence relationship with Riyadh under increased scrutiny.
🔴 U.S. Approves Potential $5 Billion Bomb Sale to Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration has notified Congress of a sale to Saudi Arabia that includes:
➤ 5,000 BLU-117 x 2,000-pound bombs
➤ 5,004 BLU-111 x 500-pound bombs
➤ 10,004 extended-range JDAM guidance kits, which… https://t.co/DpsFMaI2HZ pic.twitter.com/Lewj0rt3Rf— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) September 15, 2026
