US Approves First Sale of Precision Rockets to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved a $100 million sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant development in the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship. This sale includes 2,000 laser-guided rockets designed to enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities, particularly in targeting threats with reduced collateral damage. The deal comes amid ongoing U.S. military operations against the Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and follows a previous $2.8 billion arms agreement approved in July. Saudi Arabia's military spending continues to rise, projected to reach $78 billion in 2025, making it the largest military spender in the Arab world. Critics express concerns over the humanitarian implications of U.S. arms sales to the kingdom, yet U.S. officials argue that such agreements support stability in the Gulf region. BAE Systems is designated as the principal contractor for this transaction.