$500 Million to Refurbish Saudi Helicopter Fleet
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The US State Department has announced the approval of a maintenance contract worth up to $500 million with Saudi Arabia.
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Saudi Arabian National Guard AH-64 Apache (Sputnik)
The United States will provide 350 personnel for over two years to ensure the maintenance of the Kingdom's military's fleet of attack and transport helicopters. The personnel ranges between contractors, technicians, and two government officials, according to the deal.
President Biden had promised to make Saudi leaders "pay" for the murder of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
In late January, President Biden ordered a review of all arms contracts concluded by his predecessor Donald Trump with Saudi Arabia and other countries.
US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia last week. The visit was canceled after an unsuccessful attempt at a meeting with the Saudi defense minister, Mohammad bin Salam.
Types of Helicopters included in the deal
According to the press release made by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the helicopters involved in the deal are AH-64D/E Apache, UH-60L, and UH-60M, both known colloquially as Black Hawk.
The deal also includes Schweizer 333 small-size helicopters, and Bell 406CS helicopters, a modernization of the Koiwa, as well as the future fleet of CH-47F Chinook helicopters.
It is worth noting that the DSCA manages the US's weapons exports, delivers reports, and notifies Congress for future voting on deals such as the ones mentioned above.
