The Pentagon is set to notify the US Congress of a $60bn (£39bn) weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, reports quoting US officials say.
The deal to sell advanced military aircraft to the Saudi kingdom is aimed at shoring up an Arab ally against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The arms deal, set to support 75,000 US jobs, would be among the largest yet.
The notification will set off a review where lawmakers could push for changes, impose conditions or block the trade.
Pentagon spokesman Col Dave Lapan said Congressional notification was expected within "the next week or so" but he declined to comment on details of the proposed package.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
The United States would do nothing that would upset the current balance (of power) in the region”
Philip Crowley
US state department
The BBC's Paul Adams in Washington says the administration is unlikely to encounter much opposition to the sale of weaponry to a traditional ally and will probably argue that it is all part of a strategy to bolster friendly Arab governments in the face of growing strategic threats from Iran.
Off the record, defence officials say the administration will authorise the sale of dozens of aircraft, including F-15 fighter jets and Apache, Black Hawk and Little Bird helicopters.
Saudi Arabia would reportedly initially purchase about $30bn worth of aircraft, but could buy more at a later date.
$30 billion+ Saudi arms deal.
Reply With Quote