U.S. to sell Saudis $60 billion in arms
The United States has agreed to sell Saudi Arabia $60 billion of arms, including helicopters and jets; this is the most lucrative single arms deal in U.S. history and could support 75,000 jobs; the Saudis could buy up to 84 new F-15 fighters and upgrade 70 more older models. The F-15s, made by McDonnell Douglas, will not be outfitted with long-range weapons in deference to Israeli concerns. The Saudis would also purchase 70 Boeing-made AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters, 72 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters (Sikorsky), 36 AH-6i light attack helicopters (Boeing), and 12 MD-530F light training helicopters (McDonnell Douglas); Israel will not object
Up to 84 F-15 fighters are bound for Saudi Arabia // Source: howstuffworks.com
U.S. officials have confirmed they intend to sell $60 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia, including helicopters and jets. The state department said details of the deal had been sent to Congress, which now has thirty days to object.
If completed, it could be the most lucrative single arms deal in U.S. history and could support 75,000 jobs.
The state department said Israel, traditionally wary of arms deals involving Arab states, was not expected to raise objections. a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in Washington told the Jerusalem Post that because the Israeli government discussed the sale directly with the Obama administration, it is not seeking congressional hearings or assurances.
The BBC reports that analysts say the sale —which includes more than 80 F-15 fighters, and dozens of Apache, Black Hawk, and Little Bird helicopters — is unlikely to face much opposition in Congress.
USA Today offers more details, reporting that the Saudis could buy up to 84 new F-15 fighters and upgrade 70 more older models. The F-15s, made by McDonnell Douglas, will not be outfitted with long-range weapons in deference to Israeli concerns. The Saudis would also purchase 70 Boeing-made AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters, 72 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters (Sikorsky), 36 AH-6i light attack helicopters (Boeing), and 12 MD-530F light training helicopters (McDonnell Douglas).
The plan was leaked last month, when officials were quoted as saying anti-radar missiles, precision-guided bombs, and Hellfire missiles would also be included.
Officials did not mention the missiles during Wednesday’s news conference.
The Pentagon said the Saudis were expected to initially select about $30 billion worth of aircraft. Delivery of the weapons is expected to be spread over fifteen to twenty years.
Saudi Arabia is one of the top buyers of weapons in the developing world.
