US Approves US$3.5 Billion Missile Sale to Saudi...

US Approves US$3.5 Billion Missile Sale to Saudi Arabia Ahead of Trump Visit

Zim Now Writer

The United States has given initial approval for a US$3.5 billion arms deal that would see the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia, underscoring the kingdom's strategic importance ahead of former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region.

The proposed sale, announced on Saturday, includes 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range missiles, along with guidance systems and technical support. These missiles, manufactured by RTX Corp in Tucson, Arizona, are intended for the Royal Saudi Air Force, which operates the second-largest fleet of F-15 fighter jets in the world after the United States.

This deal is likely to be one of several major announcements during Trump's trip, highlighting continued military and economic cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has already pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, a move widely seen as an effort to strengthen ties with Trump, who made the kingdom the destination of his first official foreign visit during his 2017 presidency.

At that time, Trump broke with tradition by choosing Saudi Arabia over the usual first stops—Canada, Mexico, or the UK—signaling his administration’s unusually close ties to the Gulf monarchies. His real estate interests in the region further fueled scrutiny of the relationship.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the sale “will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.” However, the proposed deal must now be reviewed by Congress, where lawmakers can approve or block foreign arms sales.

Saudi Arabia remains a controversial U.S. ally. The kingdom has faced ongoing Congressional criticism, initially due to its military campaign in Yemen which began in 2015 and led to significant civilian casualties.

The international backlash intensified after the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely expected to meet Trump during the upcoming visit, ordered the operation. The Saudi government continues to deny the prince’s involvement.

Even after leaving office, Trump has maintained strong ties with Gulf nations. His second administration has already authorized other major arms deals in the region, including preliminary approval for Qatar to purchase eight armed MQ-9B Reaper drones—an acquisition valued at nearly US$2 billion.