US Approves $1.15Bln Sale for Tanks, Heavy Gear to Saudi Arabia

The US Department of State has approved a $1.15 billion sale to Saudi Arabia for 153 Abrams main battle tanks and an array of other combat equipment, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a news release on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — General Dynamics Land Systems, located in the US state of Michigan, will perform the work, according to the release.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for M1A2S Saudi Abrams main battle tanks and M88Al/A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES), Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARV), equipment, training and support," the release stated. "[T]he estimated cost is $1.15 billion."

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency described Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner and leading contributor of political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

"The addition of these tanks and recovery vehicles to the Royal Saudi Land Force's inventory will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to support its soldiers in the field and to defend the Kingdom’s borders," the release noted.