U.S Has Announced The Sale Of Major Missile Defence Systems Worth Over $1 Billion To Saudi  And UAE

The United States announced a $5 billion sale of major missile defence systems to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

The approval came two weeks after US President Joe Biden met with leaders of the two countries in Saudi Arabia on a trip seen as critical to repairing frayed relations with them, and as both countries see Iran as a growing threat.

According to the State Department, Saudi Arabia will purchase 300 Patriot MIM-104E missile systems, which can intercept long-range incoming ballistic and cruise missiles as well as attacking aircraft.

According to the department, the missiles and associated equipment, training, and parts are worth $3.05 billion.

Saudi Arabia has recently faced rocket attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have received Iranian equipment and technology.

According to the State Department, “these missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.”

Separately, the US will sell the UAE THAAD surface-to-air missile systems for $2.25 billion.

The UAE has recently been targeted by Houthi rocket attacks, which have been thwarted in part by defence systems operated by the US military stationed there.

“The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s ability to meet current and future ballistic missile threats in the region, while reducing reliance on US forces,” according to the State Department.