What weapons are the U.S. selling Saudi Arabia?
- 6 years ago
WASHINGTON D.C. / RIYADH — The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi has prompted angry lawmakers to call for a halt to a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
Reuters reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is reluctant to block the package, saying it would hurt American jobs, even as critics dispute its actual worth since it's not based on actual signed contracts.
White House officials told The National Interest that the list of weapons to be sold to the Saudis are still being finalized, although agreements released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency provide a partial list.
According to these agreements, Saudi Arabia is buying 48 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 10 Persistent Threat Detection Aerostats, P-8 Poseidon aircrafts, and C-130 Hercules transport planes.
Land-based weaponry included in the deal include 133 M1A2S Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and the $13-billion THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system.
As part of their naval modernization program, the Kingdom is getting four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant frigates and 48 Harpoon Block II missiles, among others.
The Saudis are also buying Standoff Land Attack Missiles, the medium-range Joint Standoff Weapon, and about $63 million worth of artillery shells.
Several U.S. weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Boeing have released statements announcing the deals, but are reportedly still awaiting details from the government.
Reuters reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is reluctant to block the package, saying it would hurt American jobs, even as critics dispute its actual worth since it's not based on actual signed contracts.
White House officials told The National Interest that the list of weapons to be sold to the Saudis are still being finalized, although agreements released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency provide a partial list.
According to these agreements, Saudi Arabia is buying 48 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 10 Persistent Threat Detection Aerostats, P-8 Poseidon aircrafts, and C-130 Hercules transport planes.
Land-based weaponry included in the deal include 133 M1A2S Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and the $13-billion THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system.
As part of their naval modernization program, the Kingdom is getting four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant frigates and 48 Harpoon Block II missiles, among others.
The Saudis are also buying Standoff Land Attack Missiles, the medium-range Joint Standoff Weapon, and about $63 million worth of artillery shells.
Several U.S. weapons manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Boeing have released statements announcing the deals, but are reportedly still awaiting details from the government.