US to send $30 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia

F-15 Jet

DUBAI: The United States and Saudi Arabia have inked an arms deal worth nearly $30 billion. The new agreement will send 84 F-15 fighter jets and other weapons to the ultra-conservative Gulf kingdom.

The US administration notified Congress last year of its intent to sell the advanced jets to Saudi Arabia, a key American ally in the Middle East and a strategic tie against Iran.

The final agreement, which also includes the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as munitions, spare parts, training and maintenance, comes at a time of increased tensions in the Persian Gulf.

“This sale will send a strong message to countries in the region that the United States is committed to stability in the Gulf and broader Middle East,” Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told reporters.

In the region, and especially Bahrain, activists are concerned that Washington is assisting dictators of cracking down on protest movements. The Saudi government has already been accused of supporting the Bahrain King in his continued attacks on protesters.

“We have seen Saudis here and they are integral in the King’s use of force against protesters and it is disgusting that the US would do this now,” said Waleed AbdelJaffar, a Bahriani activist, via telephone to Bikyamasr.com.

“Does Obama want this whole region to hate the US?” he asked.

The deal announcement comes as Iran threatens to cut off access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transport artery in the Persian Gulf and experts see the deal as an attempt to bolster Saudi in combating Iran’s power in the region.

BM

Tags: Arms, Deal, F-15, United States

Section: Latest News, North America, Saudi Arabia