US approves sale of Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has agreed to sell 300 tactical ballistic missiles to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth $3.05 billion, and another to the UAE at $2.25 billion in exchange for 96 THAAD missile defense rounds.
The Pentagon said in a statement that the deal includes 300 PATRIOT MIM-104E Enhanced Guidance Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T), in addition to tools and equipment for testing, technical and training equipment, spare parts, repair, means of transportation, and quality teams. The deal aims to provide engineering and logistical support services and monitoring software.
Pentagon officials said, “This deal will improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to confront current and future threats by replenishing its stockpile of Patriot (GMT) missiles.”
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a partner nation that will be a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the statement added.
In the same context, the US Department of Defense stated that the sale deal to the UAE includes “THAAD missile rounds, two THAAD launch control stations (LCS), two THAAD tactical operations stations (TOS), in addition to lines to provide repair and return, system integration and payment, spare parts and repair.”.
He noted that this deal “will support the national security interests of the US and improve the security of an important regional partner, as well as improve the UAE’s ability to confront current and future threats of ballistic missiles in the region.”
On the other hand, the US Central Command in Tampa, Florida, announced that Washington has started planning with Riyadh regarding the joint exercise “Eagle Resolve” to be held in May-June 2023 in Saudi Arabia, and aims to refine expertise and raise the level of joint combat readiness.
The exercise, which began in 1999, includes training on several scenarios, including strengthening air defenses, combating unmanned aircraft systems, border security, operations, and coordination.
