US approves $1.4 bln in military sales to Saudi Arabia

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of more than $1.4 billion worth of military training and equipment for Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said on Monday.

The potential sale is part of the larger $110 billion arms deal that US President Donald Trump sealed with the Saudi Arabia last month.

The latest approvals include a radar system to improve Saudi Arabia’s border security and a training program for the Kingdom’s military forces such as the Royal Saudi Air Force, the Pentagon said in two separate notices on its website.

US-based Lockheed Martin Corporation is the prime contractor for 26 AN/TPQ-53(V) Radars that were approved for potential sale.

Other equipment included in the approval are ammunition, trucks and technical support. The total estimated cost is $662 million.

“Saudi Arabia intends to use these radars to support its border security requirements and modernize its armed forces,” the statement said.

The agency also approved a separate $750 million blanket order training program contract for the Royal Saudi Air Force and other Saudi forces. This included flight training, technical training, professional military education, specialized training, mobile training teams, and English language training

The training would include how to avoid civilian casualties, legal instruction related to armed conflict, and training about human rights, the Pentagon said.

“This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded,” the statement said.