US, Saudi in key arms sales talks ahead of Trump visit
RIYADH, May 6, 2017
The US is trying to push through a multi-billion dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to capital Riyadh, according to a report.
The President is set to visit the Vatican, Israel and Saudi Arabia this month, as part of his maiden international trip.
Trump's administration is keen to repair the relationship with the regional power following tensions caused by the Obama administration’s nuclear deal with Iran, reported The Independent.
The arms sales contracts are likely to comprise Lockheed Martin program packages with a Terminal Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system worth $1bn, a C2BMC software system, and a package with satellite capabilities, it stated.
Provided by BAE Systems, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and an M109 artillery vehicle are also under consideration as part of the deal.
In addition, a $11.5 billion package made up of four multi-mission surface combatant ships, which had been approved by the US state department in 2015 but never made it to final contract, will also be revisited, the report added.
