VOA News Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 The United States says it is making its biggest arms sale ever, agreeing to sell Saudi Arabia up to $60 billion worth of fighter jets, attack helicopters and other weaponry.
U.S. State Department official Andrew Shapiro said Wednesday the deal is to be carried out over the next 15 to 20 years. It calls for the U.S. to sell its Middle Eastern ally 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrade 70 used jets.
The deal also includes the sale of 178 helicopters, including Apaches, Blackhawks and Little Birds, as well as advanced missiles, bombs, radar and other military equipment.
Shapiro says the sale supports the “wider security goals” of the U.S. in the Persian Gulf. He also says it would help the Saudis with “their legitimate security needs.”
Analysts say the sale could act as a deterrent to the growing military strength of Iran. Western powers have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, but Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.
The Obama administration said it decided to approve the sale after considering Saudi Arabia’s defense needs and determining that it would not reduce Israel’s military edge in the Mideast.
Israeli officials have often expressed concern that U.S. arms sales in the region could endanger its security. However, various news agencies say the Israelis are comfortable with the deal.
Congress has 30 days, until November 20, to stop the sale, although U.S. officials say they do not believe it will do so.
The last significant Saudi purchase of U.S. weapons systems occurred in 1992, a $9 billion deal for 72 F-15s.
At a time when nearly one in 10 U.S. workers is unemployed, the deal may increase employment at some U.S. arms manufacturers, including Boeing Co., United Technologies Corp. and Raytheon Co.
Some information in this story was provided by AP, AFP and Bloomberg.
Replies