The U.S. State Department has approved a $1.15 billion potential sale of military hardware to Saudi Arabia that includes 133 M1A2S Abrams tanks.
Congress has 30 days to decide whether to block a deal between the Middle Eastern ally and principal contractor General Dynamics. Saudi Arabia also seeks to obtain M88A1/A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation Systems (Hercules), and Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARV).
“This sale will increase the Royal Saudi Land Force’s (RSLF) interoperability with U.S. forces and conveys U.S. commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and armed forces modernization,” The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement released Tuesday.
Other items included in the sale are 153 M2 .50 caliber machine guns, 266 7.62mm M240 machine guns and 153 smoke grenade launchers and night vision devices, Defense News reported Tuesday.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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