The United States has announced the sale of missile defense systems worth more than $5 billion to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The country reported this information on Tuesday (August 2) local time.
AFP reported this information in a report on Wednesday (August 3). According to the report,
US President Joe Biden recently visited Saudi Arabia and two weeks after meeting with the leaders of the two countries,
Washington announced the approval of the arms sale.
Biden’s recent visit to the Middle East is seen as important for strengthening the two countries’ estranged relationship with the United States,
as both countries face a heightened threat from Iran.
According to the US State Department, Saudi Arabia will buy 300 Patriot MIM-104E missile systems from the US.
Long-range ballistic and cruise missiles can be shot down through this missile system.
At the same time, this missile system can be used to shoot down the attacking warplanes of the enemy.
The Foreign Office also said the value of the missile, along with other related equipment, training and parts, is $305 million.
Recently, Saudi Arabia has faced the threat of repeated rocket attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The Houthi rebels mainly use Iranian equipment and technology
The US State Department said, ‘Saudi Arabia is at risk of being attacked by Houthi rebels’ cross-border drone system.
And so these missiles will be used to prevent ballistic missile attacks on various civilian installations and important infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Separately, the United States will sell the $225 million THAAD surface-to-air missile system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This missile system is known as a powerful and formidable missile defense system.
This defense system can be mounted on a truck and is capable of instantly destroying any incoming missile.
The United Arab Emirates, like Saudi Arabia, has recently been the target of rocket attacks by the Houthi rebels.
The US State Department says the proposed sale will increase the UAE’s ability to counter the threat of ballistic missile attacks in the region and reduce its reliance on US forces.
