The U.S. Department of State has given the green light this Friday to a weapons operation with Saudi Arabia valued at nearly 5 billion dollars (about 4.3 billion euros). The package includes glide bombs and is framed within the objective of "strengthening the security of an important ally" in the face of growing instability in the Middle East.
According to the U.S. Foreign Affairs portfolio, the transaction aims to "strengthen the air defense capability" of the Saudi kingdom. In this context, Riyadh has agreed to acquire extended-range guided bombs (JDAM-ER, for its acronym in English) in order to "address current and future regional threats," amid the conflict that the United States and Israel maintain with Iran, in which Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a key partner.
"The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia's air defense capability to address current and future regional threats, strengthen its national defense, and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. forces and other partners in the Gulf region," states the official statement released by Washington.
The department headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also specified that the main contractor will be the U.S. company Boeing. It has also emphasized that the White House will not obtain any direct economic benefit derived from the authorization of this military operation.
The agreement is not limited to the supply of guided bombs but also includes various technical material and logistical support. In particular, the package includes FMU-139 fuse systems, target detectors DSU-38 and DSU-40, containers, and spare parts. Likewise, Washington "will ensure technical assistance, repair services, and comprehensive logistical support through government personnel and contractors."
"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region," concludes the note, which emphasizes that the operation does not seek to hinder potential peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, in a diplomatic scenario that remains particularly complex.