US Approves $2 Billion Sale of 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $1.96–$2 billion sale of up to 20,000 APKWS II laser guidance kits to Saudi Arabia, including 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground variants. The deal, with BAE Systems as principal contractor, aims to enhance Saudi homeland defense against drone and missile threats from Houthi rebels and amid tensions with Iran. The kits will be integrated on Saudi F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoon jets, improving interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
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US Approves $1.96 Billion Sale of APKWS Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia valued at $1.96 billion for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS). The package includes up to 10,000 APKWS-II air-to-air guidance sections and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections, along with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuzes, training, and logistical support. BAE Systems is the principal contractor. The sale will require deploying 15 US government personnel and 15 contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for program support and training. The State Department stated the sale supports US foreign policy and national security by enhancing Saudi Arabia's self-defense capabilities and interoperability with US and allied forces, noting no adverse impact on US defense readiness. This approval follows earlier February approvals for F-15 sustainment and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile sales to Saudi Arabia.
US Approves $1.96 Billion Sale of APKWS Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia valued at $1.96 billion for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS). The package includes up to 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground APKWS-II guidance sections, along with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuzes, training, and logistical support. BAE Systems is the principal contractor. The sale will require deploying 15 US government personnel and 15 contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for program support and training. The State Department stated the sale supports US foreign policy and national security by enhancing Saudi Arabia's self-defense capabilities and interoperability with US and allied forces, and that it will not adversely affect US defense readiness. This follows earlier approvals for F-15 sustainment and Patriot missile sales to Saudi Arabia.
US Approves $1.96 Billion Sale of APKWS Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Saudi Arabia valued at $1.96 billion for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS). The package includes up to 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground APKWS-II guidance sections, along with launchers, warheads, rocket motors, fuzes, training, and logistical support. BAE Systems is the principal contractor. The sale will require deploying 15 US government personnel and 15 contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia for program support and training. The State Department stated the sale supports US foreign policy and national security by enhancing Saudi Arabia's self-defense capabilities and interoperability with US and allied forces, noting no adverse impact on US defense readiness. This follows earlier US approvals in February for F-15 sustainment and Patriot missile sales to Saudi Arabia.
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U.S. Approves $1.96 Billion Sale of 20,000 APKWS II Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $1.96 billion foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia for up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II) guidance kits. The deal includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections, converting unguided Hydra rockets into laser-guided precision weapons. BAE Systems is the principal contractor. The sale reflects Saudi Arabia's need to counter low-cost drone and missile threats from Houthi rebels in Yemen, as APKWS II offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive air-to-air missiles. This follows a smaller $100 million purchase of 2,000 kits in March 2025. The equipment package includes launchers, warheads, rocket motors, and training support. The Royal Saudi Air Force is expected to integrate the kits on its F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Congressional notification is the first step; a final contract is pending.
Saudis Cleared To Buy 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2 billion sale of up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II) laser guidance kits to Saudi Arabia. The deal includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections, along with rocket pods, motors, warheads, and fuzes. The air-to-air variant (FALCO) is a cost-effective weapon for shooting down drones and cruise missiles, while the air-to-ground variant provides precision strike capability. The approval comes amid increased Iranian attacks on U.S.-host nations and renewed tensions with Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia will likely deploy these munitions on its Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15SA fighter jets. The sale aims to improve Saudi homeland defense and interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
Saudis Cleared To Buy 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets for Drone Defense
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $2 billion sale of up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II) laser guidance kits to Saudi Arabia. The deal includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections, along with rocket pods, motors, warheads, and proximity fuzes. The approval comes amid increased Iranian attacks on nations hosting U.S. troops and renewed tensions with Houthi rebels in Yemen. The air-to-air variant (FALCO) is a cost-effective weapon for shooting down large numbers of one-way attack drones and cruise missiles. The Royal Saudi Air Force is expected to deploy these munitions on Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15SA fighter jets. The sale aims to improve Saudi Arabia's homeland defense and interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
US Approves Sale of 20,000 Laser-Guided Rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has approved a potential $2 billion sale of up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II) laser guidance kits to Saudi Arabia. The deal includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground guidance sections, along with rocket pods, motors, warheads, and fuzes. The air-to-air variant (FALCO) is a cost-effective weapon for shooting down drones and cruise missiles, while the air-to-ground variant offers precision strike capability. The approval comes amid heightened tensions with Iran and renewed conflict with Houthi rebels in Yemen. The kits are expected to be used on Saudi Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15SA fighter jets, enhancing Saudi Arabia's homeland defense and interoperability with US forces.