US approves latest air-launched missiles for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been cleared to air-launched munitions, including the AIM-9X Block II to be carried by its F-15SA (pictured) combat aircraft. (Saudi Press Agency)

The US government has approved the latest variant air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles for Saudi Arabia.

Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 11 October, the two separate approvals covers 220 RTX AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and 2,503 Lockheed Martin AGM-114R3 Hellfire II air-to-surface missiles for a combined USD906.8 million.

“The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats, provide increased air-defence capabilities, and support conducting self-defence and regional security missions in the Middle East,” the DSCA said of the Sidewinder approval.

“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats and improve interoperability with systems operated by US forces and other Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia's continued investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and its residents,” the DSCA said of the Hellfire II approval.

Separate to the air-launched missiles, the DSCA also announced the approval of ammunition for artillery systems, machine guns, and tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD139 million.

For more information, please see Saudi Arabia – Air Force .