The United States has approved a potential $9 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia involving Patriot interceptor missiles and associated military systems, the Pentagon has announced.
In a statement, the Department of Defense said the US State Department cleared the deal, with Lockheed Martin Corp. set to serve as the principal contractor for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) system.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress of the proposed sale.
The approval follows a Saudi request to purchase 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles. US officials stressed that the transaction is not expected to alter the military balance in the Middle East or negatively affect US defense readiness, according to Saudi Gazette.
The package includes modification kits for existing Patriot launchers, enabling them to deploy the advanced PAC-3 MSE interceptors. It also covers automated logistics systems, incorporating equipment and software designed to manage maintenance, spare parts and system readiness.
Additionally, the deal provides missile telemetry equipment used to collect flight data during testing and training, along with maintenance and repair tools, spare parts, training programs and ongoing technical support.
