U.S. Approves $2.44 Billion in Saudi and Kuwaiti Arms Packages

The U.S. State Department approved potential arms packages worth a combined $2.44 billion for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Riyadh's $1.96 billion proposal covers up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II guidance sections, divided between air-to-air and air-to-ground use, with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, training and logistics support. Kuwait's separate $484 million package would sustain its C-17 transport fleet through parts, modifications, equipment, software, training and technical support. The State Department said the sales would strengthen two major non-NATO allies and would not alter the basic military balance in the region.