The United States government is in the final stages of signing multiple arms deal worth more than $100 billion with Saudi Arabia in what is seen as a major development in the military ties between the two countries. The information came from an anonymous senior White House official on Friday as the US President Donald Trump's visit to the Arabian country is just a week away.
The official told Reuters that the new package of deals will take the overall deal value to more than $300 billion over a decade. Although the arms agreement will strengthen Saudi Arabia's defence capabilities, the US still makes sure that its ally Israel has a qualitative military edge over its neighbours.
"We'll see a very substantial commitment ... In many ways it is intended to build capabilities for the threats they face," the official said, adding that the package includes American weapons and their maintenance, ships, air missile defence and maritime security.
"It's good for the American economy but it will also be good in terms of building a capability that is appropriate for the challenges of the region. Israel would still maintain an edge," the official added.
In recent years, the US has been the main supplier for Saudi military's defence needs, including F-15 fighter jets and command and control systems.
People familiar with the matter had told Reuters that the arms package could include a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system developed by Lockheed Martin and combat vehicles made by BAE Systems.
Trump is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia on May 19. It will be his maiden international trip after taking over the White House.
