US approves $9 billion Patriot missile sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of Patriot air defense system missiles to Saudi Arabia worth $9 billion.

According to foreign media, the Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees overseas military equipment and arms transfers under intergovernmental agreements, said that Saudi authorities requested permission to purchase 730 PAC-3 MSE guided interceptor missiles along with related equipment. The State Department has approved the deal, and the required notification has been sent to the US Congress.

The statement noted that the missile sale to Saudi Arabia serves US foreign policy and national security objectives. It added that supplying the weapons to Riyadh “will not alter the balance of power in the region.” The Pentagon also believes the deal “will not have a negative impact on the readiness” of US armed forces.

Earlier, the State Department authorised a $3.8 billion deal for Israel to purchase 30 Apache attack helicopters.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the State Department said in a statement, adding that the proposed sale aligns with these objectives.

The package also includes a $1.8 billion sale of joint light tactical vehicles. The US provides Israel with billions of dollars in military support each year, much of it in the form of aid rather than direct sales.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-backed ceasefire in October, which largely halted nearly two years of fighting. However, tensions remain elevated across the region, with the US deploying a significant military presence in waters near Iran.

In addition, the State Department approved a $9 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, covering 730 Patriot missiles designed to defend against incoming attacks.

By Tamilla Hasanova