US approves nearly $2 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it had approved the sale of an estimated $1.96 billion in weapons to bolster Saudi Arabia's air defenses as the war in the Middle East escalates.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region," the State Department said in a statement.

Among the weapons Saudi Arabia seeks are up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems and their warheads, which the U.S. Navy describes as "an inexpensive way to destroy targets while limiting collateral damage in close combat."

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems in Nashua, New Jersey, the department said.

"The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces," the statement said.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia appears to be on the brink of renewed war with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis after they fired missiles at an airport in the southern Saudi city of Abha on Monday.

The Houthi attack came after the Yemeni government struck Sanaa airport to divert a flight returning from the funeral of Iran's supreme leader with a Houthi delegation on board. The Houthis blamed Riyadh for the attack.

The move also comes as the United States ramps up attacks on Iran after reimposing a naval blockade as the two sides return to war.

"There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale," the statement said.