LOC22:32
19:32 GMT
WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (KUNA) -- The US State Department announced Monday the approval of a military sale to the government of Saudi Arabia for air-to-ground munitions and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of USD 1.29 billion
In a press releases, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said it has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 13, 2015.
It noted that the purchase replenishes the Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF) current weapons supplies, which are becoming depleted due to the high operational tempo in multiple counter-terrorism operations.
The purchase of these munitions rebuilds war reserves and provides options for future contingencies, it clarified.
The proposed sale augments Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats from potential adversaries during combat operations. Providing these defense articles supports Saudi Arabian defense missions and promotes stability in the region.
This acquisition will help sustain strong military-to-military relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, improve operational interoperability with Washington, and enable Riyadh to meet regional threats and safeguard the world's largest oil reserves, added the statement.
It added that this acquisition contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the security of an important partner that continues to be a significant force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
Sustaining Saudi military capabilities deters hostile actors, increases US-Saudi military interoperability, and has a positive impact on the stability of the global economy. This acquisition also directly conveys US commitment to the RSAF's current and future ability to sustain combat operations, it reads.
It underlined that this notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded. (end)
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