US Approves First Sale of Precision-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has approved a potential sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to Saudi Arabia, marking the first such sale of the advanced technology to the Kingdom, as per Al Jazeera.
The deal is estimated to be worth $100 million, according to the Pentagon.
The APKWS, a laser-guided rocket capable of engaging both airborne and surface targets, is designed to enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to counter current and future threats, according to a statement released by the Pentagon on Thursday. The Pentagon asserts the system will allow for precise targeting with reduced risk of collateral damage compared to other guided missile systems.
With a price tag of approximately $22,000 per weapon, the APKWS is considered a cost-effective solution for neutralizing low-cost armed drones, such as those employed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the proposed sale of 2,000 APKWS and associated equipment and training on Thursday.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the Pentagon stated.
The notification does not guarantee a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded, despite the State Department’s approval. BAE Systems will be the primary contractor for the sale, according to the Pentagon.
This potential sale coincides with an escalation of US strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, which began last Saturday and resulted in at least 31 deaths in the largest such operation since President Trump’s return to the White House.
