US approves $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved an estimated $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said Wednesday. The deal is meant to strengthen the kingdom's air defense capabilities.

It comes as tensions escalate sharply across the Middle East, including a missile attack on a Saudi airport this week.

What weapons is Saudi Arabia buying from the US?

Saudi Arabia has requested up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems, along with related warheads, launchers and support equipment. The US Navy describes the system as a low-cost way to hit targets accurately while limiting collateral damage. BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, will serve as the principal contractor for the sale.

Why did the US approve this weapons sale to Saudi Arabia?

The State Department said the sale supports US foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening a major non-NATO ally. It described Saudi Arabia as a source of political stability and economic progress in the Gulf. Officials added that the deal would improve interoperability between Saudi, US and other regional or NATO forces, without affecting US military readiness.

What is happening between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis?

The approval comes as Saudi Arabia appears to be nearing renewed conflict with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Houthis fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday. That attack followed a strike on Sanaa's airport by the Yemeni government, aimed at diverting a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from the funeral of Iran's supreme leader. The Houthis have blamed Saudi Arabia for the Sanaa airport strike.

How does this weapons sale connect to US tensions with Iran?

The deal also lands as the United States ramps up military operations against Iran, having reimposed a naval blockade. Washington has framed the Saudi sale as part of a broader effort to reinforce allied defenses in the Gulf as pressure on Iran grows. The State Department maintains that the transaction will not draw down US readiness elsewhere.