US approves sale of air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia
The Biden administration says the weapons are key to Saudi Arabia's self-defense from Iran-backed drone attacks out of Yemen.
The Biden administration on Thursday approved a $650 million sale of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles for Saudi Arabia, citing US support for the Gulf kingdom’s self-defense.
The missiles “have been instrumental in intercepting the persistent UAS [drone] attacks that have put US forces at risk and threatened the more than 70,000 US citizens in the kingdom,” according to a State Department spokesperson.
Saudi Arabia ordered up to 280 of the Raytheon-made AIM-120C missiles in order to replenish the kingdom's depleted stockpiles.
The missiles are “not used to engage ground targets,” the spokesperson wrote via email.
