The US has cleared two potential foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia worth a combined $1 billion, authorizing major helicopter sustainment and aviation training programs as Riyadh presses its long-running bid to buy F-35 fighter jets.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department notified Congress of the proposals, each valued at $500 million. Lawmakers now have 30 days to review the cases.
Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement
The first package is a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement that would give Saudi Arabia access to the US system for ordering spare parts and repairs for its helicopter fleet.
This covers UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333s, and Aerial Scout aircraft, along with logistics and program support.
Aviation Training Package
The second proposal is a training program allowing the US Army to provide advanced flight and maintenance instruction for Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps personnel.
Training would occur at US bases on Apache, Chinook, Lakota, and Black Hawk platforms.
The Pentagon said the sales would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to maintain and safely operate its American-made helicopters and strengthen cooperation with American forces.
These proposals would not shift regional military balance or require additional US personnel in the kingdom.
F-35 Deal on the Horizon
The approvals follow Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to Washington DC, where defense cooperation topped the agenda.
At the event, President Donald Trump openly supported selling F-35s to Riyadh in response to the Middle Eastern country’s request of up to 48 jets, a potential multibillion-dollar purchase now moving through US review.
However, sources said that any military sales deal with the country would face intense review in Congress, where lawmakers have raised concerns about protecting sensitive technology and Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.