US DoD accepts $582 Mln Airborne Surveillance System sale to S. Arabia

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Dec 2023 00:18

This comes after a recent meeting held between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman on November 1.

One of three RE-3s Tactical Airborne Surveillance System (TASS) on strength of the Saudi Air Force

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the Pentagon announced on Monday that the potential sale of airborne surveillance system upgrades to Saudi Arabia, amounting to $582 million, has received approval from the US State Department.

"The State Department has decided to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System Aircraft Modernization and related equipment for an estimated cost of $582 million," DSCA said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia has formally requested aircraft hardware and software modifications, along with support, to modernize its RE-3A spy aircraft, including enhancements to location and navigation systems, according to the statement. The proposed sale is positioned to align with US foreign policy and national security goals.

The statement indicated that L3 Technologies in Greenville, Texas, is designated as the primary contractor for the proposed sale.

🚨 The State Department has approved a FMS To Saudi Arabia of RE-3A Tactical Airborne Surveillance System
Aircraft Modernization and related equipment for $582 million. pic.twitter.com/46Vf6OOE1y
— Hiba Nasr (@HibaNasr) December 4, 2023

This is the latest as part of US efforts to ramp up its presence across the region to provide additional support for the Israeli regime.

This also comes after a recent meeting held between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman on November 1, during which both agreed to work together to prevent regional escalation, with the US reaffirming support for regional partners' defense.

Since October 7, US occupation bases and vessels have been the constant target of Iraqi and Yemeni resistance forces due to US complicity in the genocide in Gaza.

Just a day ago, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced targeting the Israeli-owned Unity Explorer and Number 9 vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait off the coast of Yemen, confirming direct hits on both.

Moments ago, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US is in discussions with "other countries" to create a maritime task force in the Red Sea, aiming to secure the safe passage of commercial ships.

"We are in talks with other countries about a maritime task force of sorts, involving the ships from partner nations, alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage of ships in the Red Sea, those talks are ongoing as we speak, I don't have anything formal to announce," Sullivan said during a press briefing.

He added that Iran has played a significant role in facilitating the recent operations by the Yemeni resistance on commercial vessels passing through the Persian Gulf region.

"We have every reason to believe that these attacks, while they were launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran," Sullivan said during a press briefing.