US Saudi Arms Deal Worth $60bn

Saudi Arabia is all set to buy arms worth billions from the US. President Barack Obama's administration will notify the US Congress later this week about the US Saudi arms deal worth $60bn. Earlier arms sales deals to Saudi by the United States met with obstacles in the Congress, but this one most probably will not have such kind of problems. It is expected to go through making it the largest arms package ever approved.

As of now the details that have emerged are not very specific, but the deal includes around 84 F-15 fighter planes, numerous helicopters which include the Black Hawks and Apaches, besides other weaponry. Saudi Arabia is already the most powerful military state amongst the Arab countries, besides being the wealthiest, and this package will give them power to strike even outside the Middle East. Andrew Exum, Analyst, New American Security said, "It's massive. It's a 'shot-in-the-arm' for the US defense industry." Spokesman Col. David Lapan said, "The Pentagon plans to notify Congress of the proposed Saudi sale within about a week."

This move is also seen as a long term strategy by the United States to counter the growing threat posed by Iran in the Middle East. Iran over the years has significantly improved its military capability and is seen as a dangerous threat by the US and Israel. Strengthening Saudi even more than that it is now will serve well for US long term interests in the Middle East, more specifically in deterring Iran from indulging in any aggression whatsoever. Besides this US Saudi arms deal, deals by the US are also pending with the gulf states of UAE, Oman and Kuwait.