US approves $1.15 bln arms sale to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of more than 130 Abrams battle tanks, 20 armored recovery vehicles and other military equipment, worth about $1.15 billion, to Saudi Arabia, the US Department of Defense said on Tuesday. 

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner which has been and continues to be a leading contributor of political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the department explained in a statement on its website. 

Michigan-based General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will be the principal contractor.

The military equipment will also include machine guns, smoke grenade launchers and ammunition.

Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale, although such action is unlikely since deals are carefully checked before a formal notification.

Saudi Arabia is currently leading a military coalition supporting Yemeni forces who are trying to oust Iran-allied Houthi forces from the capital, Sanaa.