U.S. Approves $1 Billion Helicopter Deal for Saudi Arabia

The United States has approved two potential military sales to Saudi Arabia, valued at up to $1 billion. The deals focus on helicopter support and training, not new aircraft. One agreement covers maintenance and logistics for Saudi Arabia’s fleet of MH-60R helicopters. The other involves training for pilots and crew. The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress of the approvals. These sales are separate from Saudi Arabia’s long-standing request to buy advanced F-35 fighter jets. That larger request remains under review by the U.S. government. The approvals allow U.S. defense contractors to begin final negotiations with the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The final value of the deals may be lower than $1 billion.