LOC09:38
06:38 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 23 (KUNA) -- The White House told Congress late Thursday that it plans to approve a more than USD one billion arms sale package to Saudi Arabia, including about 6,700 anti-tank missiles.
The three different sales include support, maintenance and spare parts for American tanks, helicopters and other equipment already in Saudi Arabia.
US lawmakers have 30 days to act if they want to oppose the deal.
The announcement comes two days after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman met with President Donald Trump as the prince began a three-week US tour.
The Saudi government has requested to buy up to 6,600 TOW 2B missiles and 96 TOW 2B fly-to-buy lot validation missiles, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced. The total estimated program cost of this package is USD 670 million, the announcement said.
"This proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East," the announcement noted.
The proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, it pointed out. The principal contractor is Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona.
A second sale is for spare parts and repair parts to support Saudi Arabia's fleet of M1A2 Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other vehicles, including M198 Towed Howitzers, additional support, and other related elements of logistics and program support, the announcement said. The total estimated cost of this sale is USD 300 million.
A third sale is for the continuation of a Maintenance Support Services contract that supports the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command's fleet of AH-64D/E, UH-60L, Schweizer 333 and Bell 406CS helicopters, the statement said. The estimated total cost of this package is USD 106.8 million. (end)
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