Biden approves $5 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, UAE to counter Iran
Under the deal, Saudi Arabia will buy 300 Patriot missiles made by Raytheon for $3 billion, and the UAE will purchase nearly 100 anti-ballistic THAAD missiles made by Lockheed Martin.
On August 2, 2022, the Joe Biden Administration of the US has signed two major arms deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to defend against Iran.
In recent times, Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which remains a serious concern for their security. US President Joe Biden has signed a defense deal worth $5 billion.
Although Tuesday’s approvals are for defensive weapons, they may be questioned by lawmakers who had supported Biden’s decision last year to cut Saudi Arabia and the UAE off from major purchases of offensive US arms because of their involvement in the war in Yemen.
The new sales include $3 billion for Patriot missiles for Saudi Arabia specifically designed to protect itself from rocket attacks by the Houthis, and $2.2 billion for high-altitude missile defense for the UAE,
The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats by replenishing its dwindling stock of PATRIOT GEM-T missiles,
Using these powerful missiles, Saudi Arabia will provide cover to avoid air strikes by Houthi rebels on its side. Saudi Arabia will ensure the security of its border areas.
The United Arab Emirates Department has said that this important deal will partner to protect an important region, support the foreign policy and defense policy of the United States.
Where President Joe Biden, in his early administration, decided to cut arms to Saudi Arabia and Yemen in response to the ongoing war in Yemen.
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