Saudi Arabia Approved to Buy AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder, Hellfire Missiles, Tank Ammunition

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Missiles and related elements for an estimated cost of $251.8 million.

The missiles are mean for  air-to-air combat by Saudi fighter jets and are the latest in series of sidewinder missiles.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Friday.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy two-hundred twenty (220) AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles. Also included are missile containers; support equipment; spares; missile software; training; and U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $251.8 million.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, VA.

Ammunition for artillery systems, machine guns, and tanks

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy ten thousand (10,000) M456 series, 105mm, High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer cartridges. Also included are various types of tank, howitzer, and machine gun ammunition; propelling charges; fuzes; primers; grenades; support and test equipment; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; software delivery and support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $139 million.