WASHINGTON – The United States has approved the potential sale of $5 billion worth of Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) systems to Saudi Arabia, in a major defence deal aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s military capabilities.
The US State Department announced the approval, with Boeing named as the principal contractor for the proposed JDAM-ER sale. The precision-guided munitions are designed to extend the range and accuracy of conventional aerial bombs, providing aircraft with enhanced strike capabilities.
In a separate decision, Washington also approved a potential $750 million sale of AGT-150 engines to Saudi Arabia. Honeywell is expected to receive the contract for the engines, which are used in military tanks.
The State Department said the proposed Saudi deals would improve the kingdom’s ability to respond to current and future security threats. The sales are also expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s readiness, support its operational requirements and deepen defence cooperation between Riyadh and Washington.
The latest approvals form part of broader US defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East.
Washington has also approved two additional potential defence agreements involving Oman and Iraq.
Under the proposed agreement with Oman, the United States would provide $188 million worth of maintenance and support services for F-16 fighter aircraft. The package is intended to help Oman maintain the operational readiness of its existing fleet.
Meanwhile, Iraq has received approval for a potential $150 million purchase of Bell 412EPX helicopters from the United States.
The helicopters are expected to strengthen Iraq’s aviation and security capabilities.
The proposed transactions are subject to the relevant US arms-sale procedures and congressional notification requirements.
The series of approvals showed Washington’s continuing military and security engagement with regional partners, while providing Gulf and Middle Eastern countries access to US defence equipment, aircraft support and military technology.
