The United States has approved a potential $5 billion sale of Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) systems to Saudi Arabia, in another major defence deal between Washington and Riyadh. The US State Department announced the approval on Friday, saying the proposed package would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to respond to current and future security threats.
Under the proposed deal, Boeing will serve as the primary contractor for the JDAM-ER systems. These precision-guided munitions are designed to improve the accuracy and range of air-launched strikes, giving Saudi forces additional capabilities as they modernise their defence infrastructure and respond to evolving regional security challenges.
The US State Department said the proposed sale would improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to address existing and emerging threats. It added that the agreement could also support the country’s readiness, operational requirements and long-term defence cooperation with the United States. The deal remains subject to the applicable US arms-transfer process.
Separately, Washington has also approved a potential $750 million sale of AGT-150 engines to Saudi Arabia. Honeywell is expected to receive the contract for the engines, which are used in military armoured vehicles and tanks. The additional agreement highlights the broader scope of US-Saudi defence cooperation beyond aircraft weapons and precision-guided munitions.
The latest approvals come as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in strengthening and modernising its military capabilities. For Washington, defence sales to Riyadh also remain an important part of the wider strategic and security relationship between the two countries.
The United States has approved two additional defence-related deals involving Oman and Iraq. Oman could receive up to $188 million in F-16 maintenance and support services under a proposed agreement. The package is intended to help maintain the operational readiness of Oman’s existing F-16 fleet.
Meanwhile, Iraq has received approval for a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters. Together with the Saudi and Omani agreements, the latest approvals demonstrate the continuing scale of US defence cooperation with partners across the Middle East, covering weapons, military engines, aircraft support and helicopters.
