US to Sell $5.4Bln Worth of Patriot Missile Upgrade to Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved a possible multi-billion dollar military sale of advanced Patriot missiles to Saudi Arabia, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The DSCA said in a statement:

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $5.4 billion.”

Patriot missiles intercept aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

The DSCA said the sale will help to modernize Saudi Arabia’s aging Patriot missile system.

Arab allies of the United States have sought to bolster their ballistic missile capabilities and anti-ballistic missile defense amid concerns over the Iran nuclear deal and Tehran’s activities in the region.

In May 2015, the United States and Gulf Arab countries agreed to expand defense cooperation.

Saudi Arabia was the world’s largest importer of arms in 2014, primarily purchasing weapons from the United States.