The United States has approved the sale of 1,000 AIM-120C-8 medium-range air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia, with a total estimated value of $3.5 billion.
According to a Reuters report, the U.S. State Department approved the proposal on Friday. Alongside the missiles, the deal includes 50 AMRAAM guidance sections and other military equipment.
The approval comes ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia in May. During the visit, Washington expects to sign a broader arms agreement with Riyadh worth around $100 billion, covering weapons, explosives, and other military supplies.
Experts suggest the missile deal is part of that larger agreement. The State Department has already notified Congress regarding the proposed sale.
President Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16. This will be his second overseas trip since assuming office for a second term.
Trump has long maintained a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Notably, during his first term as president in 2017, Trump also chose Saudi Arabia for his first official foreign visit.