US Approves $3.5 Billion Missile Sale to Saudi Arabia Ahead of Trump Visit

The US State Department has granted preliminary approval for a $3.5 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, clearing the way for the sale of advanced missile systems, the Pentagon announced.

The package includes 1,000 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 50 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, marking another significant weapons transaction between Washington and Riyadh.

The proposed deal is now subject to review by the US Congress, which has the authority to block or modify such agreements.

This development comes ahead of former President Donald Trump’s expected trip to the Middle East later this month, with Saudi Arabia listed as his first destination, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Trump, during his presidency, frequently touted arms deals with the Kingdom as a boon for American jobs and industry. In 2017, he signed a $110 billion agreement with Saudi Arabia during his first official trip abroad.

Despite ongoing weapons sales to Arab states, the US maintains its commitment to ensuring Israel’s “Qualitative Military Edge” (QME) in the region by supplying it with more advanced weaponry. Israel has been operating F-35 fighter jets for nearly a decade, further cementing its military superiority in the Middle East.