US approves potential $1.96 billion sale of precision-guided weapons to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of precision-guided rocket systems and related equipment to Saudi Arabia, with an estimated value of $1.96 billion.

In a statement, the department said it had approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of advanced weapon systems and associated equipment, with a total estimated cost of $1.96 billion.

It said Saudi Arabia had requested to buy up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) air-to-air guidance sections; and up 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-ground guidance sections.

The State Department said the proposed sale would also include non-major defines equipment items will also be included: LAU-131 A/A launchers; Mk-152 high explosive warheads; MK66 rocket motors; proximity fuses; WTU-1/B practice warheads; inert MK66 rocket motors; test support equipment; launch and employment equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; personnel training, training equipment, and support equipment; other support equipment; transportation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.