The U.S. State Department has given the green light for the first sale of advanced precision kill weapon systems to Saudi Arabia, with an estimated value of $100 million, as announced by the Pentagon on Thursday.
This potential sale coincides with ongoing U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, which commenced last Saturday and have resulted in at least 31 fatalities, marking the largest operation since President Donald Trump resumed office in January.
The civil war in Yemen began in late 2014 when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa. Concerned about the increasing influence of Shi’ite Iran near its borders, Saudi Arabia spearheaded a Western-supported coalition in March 2015 to bolster the Saudi-aligned government. Although the conflict has lessened since a ceasefire was established in 2022, it has claimed tens of thousands of lives, devastated Yemen’s economy, and left millions facing hunger.
The approved advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) is a laser-guided rocket capable of targeting both aerial and ground threats. Priced at approximately $22,000, it offers a cost-effective solution for neutralizing low-cost armed drones, such as those employed by the Houthis, which have disrupted maritime activities in the Red Sea.
On Thursday, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed Congress about the potential sale of 2,000 APKWS units along with related equipment and training. While the State Department has approved the sale, the notification does not confirm that a contract has been finalized or that negotiations are complete. BAE Systems will serve as the primary contractor for this transaction, according to the Pentagon’s statement.
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