The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency released a fact sheet detailing some of the equipment included in the $109.7 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia announced on May 20, 2017.
DSCA Director Vice. Adm. Joseph Rixey said the package’s purpose is “to contribute to a regional security architecture that advances defense cooperation for both the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Additionally, it provides our partners with full-spectrum capabilities and the use of other security cooperation programs, such as defense institution building programs that address not only the material and related training, but also education and advising on strategy-planning doctrine and institutional support,” he added.
Many of the systems involved in the sale were previously approved, through some Letters of Offer and Acceptance have been amended.
The DSCA fact sheet noted the sales pertain to air-launched weapons, such as air-to-surface missiles and precision-guided munitions; four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ships armed with RIM-162 surface-to-air missiles and RGM-84 anti-ship missiles; various small arms ammunition; 153 M1A1/A2 tank structures for conversion of Saudi tanks and battle replacements; 48 CH-47F cargo helicopters; and the 74K Persistent Threat Detection System Aerostats.
Other systems that were not included in the DSCA fact sheet but referenced in a State Department sheet linked to by the DSCA included Patriot and THAAD air-defense batteries. Saudi Arabia has also contracted Lockheed Martin for 150 Black Hawk helicopters.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
