The US State Department said on Wednesday it has approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to bolster Saudi Arabia's air defenses, as the war ramps up in the Middle East.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region," the State Department said in a release.
The purchase aims to strengthen air defenses against increasing air threats like drones from regional proxies, reducing reliance on expensive Patriot missiles and bolstering homeland defence.
Among the weapons the Gulf kingdom seeks are up to 20,000 air Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, which the US Navy's website describes as "an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat."
Other non-major defense equipment items like launchers, high explosive warheads, and rocket motors will also be included.
The principal contractor will be BAE Systems in Nashua, New Jersey, the department said.
Clashes with Houthis in Yemen
The move comes as Saudi Arabia appears to be on the brink of renewed war with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis after they fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday.
The Houthi attack came after the Yemeni government hit Sanaa airport to divert a flight returning from the Iranian supreme leader's funeral with a Houthi delegation on board. The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the attack.
The move also comes amid the United States ramping up waves of attacks on Iran, after reimposing a naval blockade as the foes return to war.
"There will be no adverse impact on US Defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale," the release said.
Saudi Arabia is the single largest global recipient of US weapons, drawing more American military hardware than any other nation.
Separately, Washington approved a possible $484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment.
The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training and logistics services.
