State Department approves sale of guidance kits for missiles to Riyadh for almost $2 billion
The State Department has approved the possible sale to Saudi Arabia of up to 20 thousand guidance kits for missiles worth $1.96 billion.
This is stated in a statement published on Wednesday on the website of the American foreign policy agency.
The kingdom's authorities had previously requested permission from the United States to purchase up to 10 thousand APKWS-II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) laser guidance kits for air-to-air missiles and the same number for air-to-ground missiles. The State Department approved the possible deal. "The total cost is estimated at $1.96 billion," the statement notes.
The United States is also ready to supply Saudi Arabia with related logistical support, including LAU-131 A/A launchers, Mk-152 warheads, and other systems. The main supplier may be BAE Systems.
The U.S. administration has already notified Congress of the decision to approve the possible arms sale. The legislative body has 30 days to review the potential deal and possibly block it.
