US approves possible multi-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, UAE

Patriot missile deal with Saudi Arabia valued at $3.05 billion; THAAD deal with UAE valued at $2.245 billion

US approves possible multi-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, UAE

US President Joe Biden in a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM via REUTERS

The US State Department has approved possible $3.05 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, and another possible $2.245 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates.

The potential deal with Saudi Arabia includes 300 Patriot Min-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T) and related equipment and services: tools, test and training equipment, spare parts, QA, support services, and various other elements of logistics and program and support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” said the State Department.

With regards to the UAE deal, the US as approved the sale of 96 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile rounds; two THAAD Launch Control Stations (LCS); and two THAAD Tactical Operations Stations (TOS). Also included are repair and return, system integration, spare parts, support and testing equipment, construction activities, encryption devices, and more.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner,” said the State Department’s announcement. “The UAE is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”