By Al-Fassel | 2024-12-04

The US State Department has approved a comprehensive package of potential military sales to Saudi Arabia, pending congressional review, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in October.

The package includes 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder tactical missiles and 2,503 AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles to boost Saudi Arabia's precision strike capabilities.

It also includes advanced weaponry such as M456-class tank ammunition and howitzers, alongside a separate sale of TOW 2A and TOW 2B wireless-guided missiles.

The timing of these deals coincides with increased diplomatic engagement between the two nations, as evidenced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's October 23 discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken expressed "appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in promoting stability and peace in the region" during the talks.

The kingdom sources nearly 80% of its arms from the United States, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

It also participates in regular bilateral and multilateral military training exercises with the US military.

Regional security framework

On November 24, an initial batch of Saudi soldiers completed training on the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at Fort Bliss, Texas.

"This strengthens defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States and raises the efficiency of the Saudi armed forces in facing regional and international challenges," per an October 12 Defense Arabia report.

Beyond equipment sales and training, the partnership extends to joint military exercises including "Red Flag," "Eagle Resolve" and "Red Sands" to enhance interoperability and advanced air defense capabilities for both nations.

These engagements often integrate cutting-edge technologies, particularly in countering drone threats, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said.

While the recent arms sales broaden the scope of Saudi-US cooperation, US officials stress these agreements are part of a broader Gulf security framework.

Military experts note the packages reflect a balanced approach to strengthening Gulf defense capabilities without favoring any single partner.

October arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates "will not alter the basic military balance in the region," per the DSCA.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently reaffirmed to Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman the US's "longstanding commitment to the kingdom's defense."

He emphasized bilateral cooperation against "shared threats, including from Iran and Iran-backed groups."

The enduring nature of this partnership is reflected in the State Department's description of "more than seven decades of close friendship and cooperation," spanning counterterrorism, defense and the economy.

Ties continue to evolve, with the two nations committed to developing integrated air and missile defense systems and addressing emerging security challenges, including those posed by unmanned systems, the State Department said.