US clears $6.1 billion arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq
“The US State Department has approved a series of potential arms sales worth about $6.1 billion to key Middle Eastern partners Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq, including thousands of precision-guidance kit…”
The largest proposed deal would see Saudi Arabia acquire more than 10,000 extended-range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits and associated equipment in a package valued at $5 billion. The deal also includes a similar number of unguided bombs, divided roughly equally between 500-pound and 2,000-pound munitions.
Equipped with JDAM kits, the bombs can be converted into precision-guided weapons. Boeing supplies the JDAM systems. The proposed sale comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to replenish stocks of precision-guided munitions following heavy aerial bombardment during its conflict with Iran.
The State Department also approved a potential $750 million sale to Saudi Arabia covering 60 AGT-1500 tank engines used to power M1 Abrams tanks. Honeywell would serve as the prime contractor. Separately, the department approved a potential $188 million sale to Oman covering sustainment services for the country's fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
The notice said no principal contractor was associated with the Oman deal, adding that support would be provided by the US government or contracted vendors. Oman has played a mediating role in the conflict involving Iran and has also faced criticism from President Donald Trump, including threats to bomb the Gulf sultanate.
The State Department also authorised a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters to Iraq, with Bell-Textron named as the primary contractor. The announcement came days after the department cleared another potential $800 million helicopter sale to Baghdad, including Bell 412EPX and 407M helicopters.
The latest notifications to Congress do not represent finalised arms deals. Quantities and costs can change during negotiations. Congress has 30 days to block the proposed sales, although such action is considered unlikely.
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