The United States has approved a proposed weapons sale worth nearly $2 billion to Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen the kingdom’s air defence capabilities as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East. The package, valued at an estimated $1.96 billion, is intended to improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats while enhancing military cooperation with US and allied forces.

According to the US State Department, the proposed sale supports American foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defence of a major non-NATO ally. Officials said Saudi Arabia plays an important role in promoting political stability and economic progress across the Gulf region. The package still requires the completion of the formal approval process before delivery.

US officials said the weapons would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to deter future threats and increase interoperability with American, regional, and NATO forces. They also stated that the proposed sale would not affect the operational readiness of the US military. The agreement reflects Washington’s continued security partnership with Riyadh during a period of heightened regional instability.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia appears close to renewed conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement. Earlier this week, the Houthis launched missiles toward Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia following an attack on Sanaa airport that disrupted a flight carrying a Houthi delegation returning from Iran. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the airport strike, further increasing tensions between the two sides.