The news of the approval comes just weeks after President Joe Biden met with the leaders of each nation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as he sought to improve relations between the US and the Saudis.
The approval was also announced on the same day the UN announced a two-month extension of the ceasefire in Yemen, where the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi rebel group have until recent months been locked in a years-long, bloody conflict that has killed thousands of civilians.
According to a news release from the US State Department, the agency has approved the possible sale of PATRIOT MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T) and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for approximately $3.05 billion.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Persian Gulf region,” the State Department said of the sale.
“The proposed sale will enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ability to meet current and future threats by replenishing its dwindling inventory of PATRIOT GEM-T missiles,” it said. “These missiles are used to protect the borders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the Houthis’ persistent cross-border drone and ballistic missile attacks against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.”
“These attacks threaten the well-being of Saudi, international and American citizens (approximately 70,000) residing in the Kingdom. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces,” he added.
Separately, the State Department approved the possible sale of “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles, THAAD fire control and communication stations and related equipment at an estimated cost of $2.245 billion” to the UAE.
“This proposed sale will support United States foreign policy and national security by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner.” The UAE is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the State Department said. “The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s ability to meet current and future ballistic missile threats in the region and reduce reliance on US forces.”
Shortly after taking office, Biden announced that the US would end its support for Saudi Arabia’s offensive operations in Yemen, “including related arms sales.” However, the administration continues to sell weapons to the kingdom for what it says are defensive purposes.
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