Defense

US Approves Sale Of Massive Missile Defense Package To Saudi Arabia

REUTERS/U.S. Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency/Handout via Reuters

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Ryan Pickrell China/Asia Pacific Reporter
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The Department of State has approved the sale of billions of dollars in missile defense equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has requested 44 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers, 360 interceptors, 16 fire control and communication stations, and seven radars, as well as additional equipment and maintenance guarantees. The package is worth an estimated $15 billion.

“This sale furthers U.S. national security and foreign policy interests and supports the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of Iranian and other regional threats,” the Defense Security Cooperation Administration said in an official press release Friday night.

THAAD is designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range missiles in the terminal phase of flight. The powerful AN/TPY-2 radars detect incoming threats, the target is identified and engaged, the interceptors are fired from the launchers. THAAD is a kinetic missile defense system and is one of the best antimissile systems in the U.S. arsenal, as it has a perfect test record. The U.S. has already deployed THAAD batteries in Guam and South Korea to counter threats from North Korea.

While the world watches North Korea’s missile program closely, Iran’s ballistic missile program is also a serious concern. Iran has one of the largest ballistic missile programs in the Middle East, and not only has it tested missiles repeatedly, but it has actually fired on another country.

“This potential sale will substantially increase Saudi Arabia’s capability to defend itself against the growing ballistic missile threat in the region,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated, adding that this system will enhance Saudi Arabia’s layered missile defense system.

The U.S. has worked closely with Saudi Arabia in its campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The sale will not go through until officials from the U.S. government, Saudia Arabia, and Lockheed Martin sign a contract through the Foreign Military Sales process.

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