US approves $3.5 billion missile sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved an initial $3.5 billion sale of 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related support to Saudi Arabia, with RTX Corporation as the principal contractor. This arms deal, announced ahead of President Donald Trump's planned visit to Saudi Arabia, underscores the close strategic relationship between the two nations and is expected to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s air force capabilities. The proposed sale is part of broader U.S.-Saudi military cooperation, with recent years seeing billions in additional defense agreements. While the deal is intended to support U.S. foreign policy objectives by enhancing the security of a key regional partner, it also comes amid scrutiny from Congress over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and regional military actions. The transaction highlights Saudi Arabia's continued reliance on U.S. defense technology, even as it integrates equipment from other countries into its arsenal. The deal is pending Congressional approval, where lawmakers retain the authority to block the sale.