The US has approved the $251.8-million sale of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and related support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The deal includes 220 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles, missile containers, support equipment, spares, missile software, training, and related technical assistance and program support.
“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by ensuring the readiness of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.
Four days before the sale approval, US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III reviewed Washington’s efforts to promote security in the Middle East with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, highlighting the importance of the US-Saudi defense partnership in the region.
In a call with @SecDef, we reviewed the Saudi-US strategic partnership and ways to bolster our defense cooperation. We also discussed the latest regional and international developments, as well as efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote security and stability in the region.
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) October 8, 2024
Aside from Saudi Arabia, the US also announced the approval of a $1.2 billion sale to the United Arab Emirates of precision munitions for multiple launch rocket systems.
