US clears $5 billion JDAM-ER sale to Saudi Arabia, plus $750 million engine deal
The US State Department approved a potential $5 billion sale of JDAM-ER kits to Saudi Arabia, plus $750 million in tank engines.
The United States has given the green light to a potential $5 billion sale of precision-guided bomb kits to Saudi Arabia, according to a State Department announcement on Friday. The approval covers Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extend Range (JDAM-ER) equipment, which converts unguided bombs into GPS-guided smart weapons with extended glide range.
Boeing, the principal contractor for the JDAM-ER sale, will supply the kits and related support. In a separate approval, the State Department also cleared the possible sale of AGT-1500 tank engines to Saudi Arabia, valued at an estimated $750 million. Honeywell is the lead contractor for that transaction.
The announcements come as Washington continues to bolster the military capabilities of its Gulf ally. While the approvals signal intent, the final value and delivery timeline may shift during contract negotiations. The deals are part of broader US defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia, which has faced scrutiny over regional conflicts and human rights concerns.