WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: The United States has approved a potential $5 billion sale of precision-guided munitions and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, marking another major step in defence cooperation between Washington and Riyadh.
The US State Department approved the possible Foreign Military Sale of Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extended Range, or JDAM-ER, to Saudi Arabia, according to reports published on Friday.
The proposed package is valued at approximately $5 billion, with Boeing identified as the principal contractor. JDAM technology converts compatible conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions, while the extended-range configuration provides greater stand-off capability.
Reports indicate that the package includes more than 10,000 JDAM guidance kits as well as a similar number of general-purpose bombs and associated equipment. The proposed transaction remains subject to the US Foreign Military Sales process and should not be treated as a completed delivery or final contract.
The State Department also approved a separate potential sale to Saudi Arabia involving AGT-1500 tank engines, estimated at $750 million. The engines are used in M1 Abrams tanks, with Honeywell named as the principal contractor for that proposed transaction.
US officials say the proposed defence sales are intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to address current and future threats while supporting military readiness and interoperability with American forces. The announcement comes amid elevated security tensions across the Middle East.
Washington also cleared other potential defence transactions in the region. Oman was approved for an estimated $188 million package covering F-16 sustainment and support, while Iraq received approval for a possible $150 million sale involving Bell 412EPX helicopters.
The Saudi announcement represents an authorization for a possible sale, rather than confirmation that the full $5 billion transaction has been finalized. Congressional notification and subsequent negotiations form part of the US arms-sale process.
