S. Arabia: Sale of THAAD for $ 15 billion

Saudi Arabia will buy an advanced missile defense system manufactured by the US Lockheed Martin for $ 15 billion, said Wednesday a spokesman for the state department following the strong pressure from Washington, including a phone call from US President Donald Tramp to Saudi King Salman personally.

According to a spokesman for the US Department of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia and US officials signed letters detailing the details of the offer and validating its acceptance on Monday, defining the market conditions for 44 launchers, rockets and other system equipment, known as High Altitude Terminal Zone Defense (THAAD).

The Trumbian government and US defense equipment industry officials have been trying hard to wrap up some of the few tangible transactions in a legendary Republican tycoon – a $ 100 billion arms purchase.

The effort intensified in the midst of reports and concerns about the consequences of the badbadination of journalist Jamal Cbadogi and the possible involvement of Saudi leaders in it.

The agreement for the purchase of the THAAD system, under negotiation since December 2016, is now complete, according to the spokesman for the state department.

Trab discussed with the Saudi monarch Salham about the acquisition of THAAD during their phone conversation in late September, a Reuters news agency official told the Saudi government in October. According to this official, the agreement should be finalized later this year.

According to the state department, the agreement – which was first revealed by the US television channel CNBC – is intended to support "the long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Gulf against the growing threat of ballistic missiles from the Iranian regime and extremist organizations backed by Iran ".

Defying the White House, the Senate gave the go-ahead Wednesday to the decision to end US military support to the Saudi-led alliance that has been taking place since the war in Yemen in 2015. That means that the final vote on the measure can take place in a few days.

The US Congress had approved the sale and export of THAAD system negotiated at the time in Saudi Arabia in 2017.

Last updated: Thursday 29 November 2018, 07:25