U.S. approves $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia
Washington also lined up a $484 million C-17 maintenance package for Kuwait as tensions with Iran intensified.
The United States approved a possible $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict with Iran. The approval was announced by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, July 15. The package for Riyadh includes up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II guidance units for air-to-air use and 10,000 units for air-to-ground use, along with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuzes, spare parts, technical documentation, training and logistical support. BAE Systems was named the principal contractor. Separately, Washington also approved a $484 million package for Kuwait, mainly for maintenance of C-17 transport aircraft and related equipment. The move came as Iran's retaliatory attacks targeted U.S. military bases in the Middle East, including one in Kuwait.