U.S. Approves $250M Training Deal for Saudi Naval Forces

The United States approved a $250 million training package for Saudi Arabia's Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

This training is intended to bolster Riyadh's defense capabilities against regional threats and support U.S. Navy efforts to ensure freedom of navigation.

The DSCA notified Congress of this training deal, which adds to a previously executed Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case valued at $37 million. The original FMS case included various training programs for the RSNF, covering precision targeting, collateral damage reduction, technical and professional development, ship repair facility maintenance, language proficiency courses, and professional military education provided by the U.S. Navy.

According to the Pentagon, this sale is aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals and national security objectives by enhancing the security capabilities of Saudi Arabia, a key partner promoting political stability and economic progress in the Gulf.

The training approval follows longstanding bilateral relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which have spanned nearly 80 years and have seen positive developments under the Biden administration despite an initial freeze on arms sales to Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, in late April 2024, Saudi Arabia announced a maintenance contract worth $65.8 million with Pratt & Whitney for the F100 engines powering its fleet of F-15 Eagles. This contract covers spare parts and engine services.