The U.S. government has authorized two significant foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia, valued at a total of $1 billion. These deals include extensive helicopter support and aviation training programs, coinciding with Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to secure a purchase of F-35 fighter jets.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced that the State Department has officially notified Congress about the proposals, which are each valued at $500 million. Lawmakers now have a 30-day window to review these arrangements.
One of the packages involves a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement. This initiative will enable Saudi Arabia to utilize the U.S. system for ordering spare parts and repairs for its diverse helicopter fleet. The arrangement encompasses several aircraft, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333s, and Aerial Scout aircraft, along with associated logistics and support services.
The second proposal is focused on an aviation training program wherein the U.S. Army would deliver initial and advanced flight and maintenance training for personnel from the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps. This training will take place at various U.S. military bases, covering platforms such as the Apache, Chinook, Lakota, and Black Hawk helicopters.
According to the Pentagon, these sales are designed to enhance Saudi Arabia’s capability to maintain and safely operate its American-manufactured helicopters, effectively bolstering cooperation with U.S. military forces. Importantly, the proposals are not expected to alter the regional military balance and will not necessitate an increase in U.S. personnel stationed in the kingdom.
These military sales come in the wake of a recent visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, D.C., where discussions on defense cooperation were paramount. During this visit, President Donald Trump expressed support for the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, responding to the kingdom’s request for up to 48 of the advanced jets. This deal, which could amount to billions of dollars, is currently undergoing a review process in the U.S.
Notably, any military sales involving Saudi Arabia are likely to face rigorous scrutiny from Congress. Lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding the safeguarding of sensitive technology and the kingdom’s human rights record, particularly in light of incidents such as the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
