Latest news with #AdvancedPrecisionKillWeaponSystem
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Biggest Arms Deal in History a Win for Trump on Middle East Tour
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As President Donald Trump tours the Middle East, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed a historic $142 billion arms deal that according to the White House was the largest defense sales agreement in history. The U.S. has recently finalized a series of arms deals with Gulf allies worth multiple billions of dollars, signaling Washington's continued strategic tilt toward regional partners amid escalating tensions with Iran and rivalry with Russia and China. Why It Matters The U.S. is deepening defense ties with Gulf allies through multi-billion-dollar arms deals as Trump returns to the region, reaffirming America's military foothold in a region increasingly eyed by China and Russia. Advanced Weapons to Saudi Arabia "The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories: air force advancement and space capabilities, air and missile defense, maritime and coastal security, border security and land forces modernization, and information and communication systems upgrades," the White House said in a statement. Earlier this month, the State Department approved a $3.5 billion sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Saudi Arabia, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. In March, the U.S. approved the sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to the kingdom costing nearly $100 million upon the kingdom's request to buy 2,000 high precision weapons, the agency said. A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade load an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) training round for a live-fire exercise, Sept. 23, 2021, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The APKWS is... A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade load an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) training round for a live-fire exercise, Sept. 23, 2021, Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The APKWS is the newest laser-guided rocket system utilized by the 12th CAB stationed throughout Europe. More Pfc. Jesus Menchaca/U.S. Army/DVIDS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said both countries had worked "to take on terrorism and all its manifestations today, with groups like the Houthis," as he met with Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Defense Minister, in February. Unprecedented Drone Sales to Qatar The U.S. recently approved the sale of advanced MQ-9B drones to Qatar for nearly $2 billion, the first sale of its kind to the region, aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the country that hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Trump's ties with Qatar haver been boosted by its supporting role in brokering the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel. White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Doha on Tuesday evening in an effort to broker a new hostage-release and ceasefire deal, according to Axios. The relationship has recently come under scrutiny after Trump said he would accept a $400 million luxury plane as a gift from Qatar's royal family—though not yet confirmed by Qatar—to be used as Air Force One and transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation after he leaves office. Billion in Sales to UAE As Trump headed to Riyadh, the State Department approved the sale of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.32 billion to the United Arab Emirates — another key regional ally. "The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations," the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated. What People Are Saying White House in Tuesday statement: "Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms." Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, wrote on May 8: "The Middle East remains a key arena for geopolitical competition, and the fact that President Trump is making his first scheduled overseas trip in his second term to the Middle East sends a message that he is prioritizing the region." What Happens Next With Trump eyeing other big deals from Middle East partners, the U.S. is committed to enhance security and defense cooperation with key allies that also reinforce the strategic role of the United States.
See - Sada Elbalad
21-03-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Approves Sale of Precision Rockets to Saudi Arabia
Israa Farhan The United States has approved a potential arms deal to sell advanced precision-guided weapon systems to Saudi Arabia, according to the Pentagon. The deal, valued at about $100 million, includes Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) along with logistical support, software, and training. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed on Thursday that Saudi Arabia has requested to purchase 2,000 APKWS units, spare parts, and related technical and logistical services. The proposed sale aims to strengthen the kingdom's military capabilities while aligning with US foreign policy objectives and national security interests. According to the Pentagon, these precision-guided systems will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to engage targets with greater accuracy while minimizing collateral damage compared to conventional missile systems. This technology is expected to bolster the country's defense infrastructure amid ongoing regional security challenges. The Pentagon assured that the sale would not disrupt the military balance in the region or negatively impact US defense readiness. The decision reflects Washington's continued commitment to supporting its Gulf allies in maintaining regional stability. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System is a cost-effective solution that converts unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions. By integrating a laser-guidance system between the warhead and rocket motor, APKWS enhances the effectiveness of air, land, and naval strikes without requiring expensive missile systems. As a key defense partner, Saudi Arabia has consistently invested in modernizing its military arsenal, particularly in response to regional threats. The latest arms agreement follows a series of US-Saudi defense deals in recent years, underscoring Riyadh's strategic military partnership with Washington. This sale comes amid broader discussions about US arms exports to the Middle East and ongoing geopolitical developments in the Gulf region. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
National News
21-03-2025
- Business
- National News
US approves first sale of laser-guided precision rockets to Saudi Arabia
NNA - The US State Department has approved what would be the first sale of advanced precision kill weapon systems to Saudi Arabia for an estimated cost of $100m, according to the Pentagon. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) approved for sale to Saudi Arabia is a laser-guided rocket that can hit both airborne and surface targets, it said in a statement on Thursday. 'The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats and give it the ability to precisely engage targets with much less risk of collateral damage than other guided missile systems,' it said in a statement on Thursday.--agencies
Al Jazeera
21-03-2025
- Business
- Al Jazeera
US approves first sale of laser-guided precision rockets to Saudi Arabia
The US State Department has approved what would be the first sale of advanced precision kill weapon systems to Saudi Arabia for an estimated cost of $100m, according to the Pentagon. The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) approved for sale to Saudi Arabia is a laser-guided rocket that can hit both airborne and surface targets, it said in a statement on Thursday. 'The proposed sale will improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capability to meet current and future threats and give it the ability to precisely engage targets with much less risk of collateral damage than other guided missile systems,' it said in a statement on Thursday. The price of the weapon is about $22,000, making it a cost-effective choice for shooting down low-cost small armed drones like those used by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale of 2,000 APKWS and associated equipment and training on Thursday. 'This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,' the Pentagon noted. Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The principal contractor for the sale will be BAE Systems, the Pentagon said. The potential sale comes as the US continues a wave of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, which began last Saturday, killing at least 31 people in the biggest such operation since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
