THE US Department of Defense has notified Congress that it wants to sell $60 billion (€42.9 billion) worth of advanced aircraft and weapons to Saudi Arabia.
The proposed sale, including helicopters, fighter jets, radar equipment and satellite-guided bombs, would be the largest arms deal to another country in US history. Congress has 30 days to review the sale before the Pentagon and the weapons makers go into more detailed contract discussions with Saudi Arabia. It is expected to review the deal when back in session after the elections.
The arms package includes 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrades to 70 other F-15s that the Saudis already have, and 70 Apache, 72 Black Hawk and 36 Little Bird helicopters. Saudi Arabia would also get versions of a satellite-guided “smart bomb” system, plus anti-ship and anti-radar missiles.
The deal could be completed over five to 10 years, depending on production schedules and training. Defence analysts said the weapons sale is key to US efforts to boost support among Arab allies and to counter any threats from Iran. The deal is also seen as a boon for US defence companies as the Pentagon tightens its budget, which could curb opportunities.
Boeing makes F-15s, Apaches, Little Birds and some of the other equipment. Raytheon makes some of the anti-radar missiles.
“There’s an enormous amount at stake in terms of US foreign policy, credibility in the region, and the health of the aerospace industry,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace industry analyst at the Teal Group in Fairfax. “When you sell combat aircraft you’re also selling a strategic relationship.”
Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary for political military affairs at the State Department, said the administration had looked at the regional balance of power in the Middle East and “concluded it would not negatively impact Israel’s security interests or Israel’s qualitative military edge”.
Israel recently signed a deal to buy 20 US F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets. “The US gets to reinforce a relationship with an important ally,” Mr Aboulafia said.
“It gets to cement its dominance on the military aerospace export market. And Israel gets a pretty good deal in return.”
Some on Capitol Hill are already expressing reservations.
“It seems to be rewarding a country that hasn’t been particularly helpful to any of our foreign policy objectives and one that doesn’t seem to be well-suited to be a military bulwark against Iran,” said New York congressman Anthony Weiner, a Democrat, who said he plans to work with congressional leaders to try to stop the deal from going through.
– ( Washington Postservice)