The Department of State approved two potential multi-million-dollar Foreign Military Sale requests from Saudi Arabia, totaling a projected $1 billion to enhance the operational readiness of its helicopter fleet. These transactions directly support the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. This approval strengthens Saudi Arabia’s security capabilities and bolsters the nation’s interoperability with U.S. forces in the Gulf region.
Supporting RSLFAC Operational Readiness
The first proposed Foreign Military Sale is a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA) FMS Order II case. This arrangement allows Saudi Arabia to quickly requisition centrally managed spares and repair parts. The parts will sustain a diverse fleet of rotary-wing aircraft, including the UH-60 Black Hawk, AH-64 Apache, CH-47F Chinook, Schweizer 333, and Aerial Scout helicopters.
The second request covers a blanket order for comprehensive aviation training. U.S. Army instructors, operating under the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), will deliver crucial initial through advanced rotary-wing flight and maintainer training on key platforms.
These approved deals are a critical investment in supporting political stability and economic growth in the Gulf region while ensuring a key strategic partner maintains a robust and modern defense capacity.
