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US approves potential arms deals for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
State Department says the proposed sales will support foreign policy and improve the security of major non-NATO allies.
US approves potential arms deals for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Principal contractor for the Saudi sale would be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire. / AA Archive

The US State Department has approved a potential $1.96 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia and a separate $484 million sustainment package for Kuwait, it said in a statement.

The proposed sale to Saudi Arabia includes up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance sections and up to 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-ground guidance sections.

The package also includes launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuses, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, training equipment and logistics support services, according to the State Department.

The principal contractor for the Saudi sale would be BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire.

"At this time, the US Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor," a State Department statement said.

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Kuwait sale

Separately, Washington approved a possible $484 million Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for C-17 Sustainment and related equipment.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the State Department said in a statement.

The Kuwait package includes aircraft components, parts and accessories, modification and support equipment, spare and repair parts, ground handling equipment, communications equipment, software support, technical documentation, training and logistics services.

"Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor representatives to Kuwait. There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale," the statement added. 

SOURCE:TRT World & Agencies