Saudis seek US weapons worth 1 billion US dollars
Saudi Arabia, Military, 7/24/1997

Saudi Arabia has asked the Clinton administration to sell it weapons and equipment for light armored vehicles worth 1.075 billion US dollars, the US defense department says.

The deal would involve 130 90 mm turret weapon system, 130 M 240 machine guns, 130 M2.50 caliber machine guns, 169,490 rounds of 90 mm ammunition and associated spare parts, testing, maintenance facilities and full logistical and training support, the Pentagon said.

The sale would be part of US-supported effort to modernize the Saudi Arabian National Guard, which is commanded by crown Prince Abdullah and is a counterweight to the armed forces headed by the defense minister, Prince Sultan.

Congress has been notified of the Saudi request, the Pentagon said, "This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

Since the Gulf War, Saudi Arabia and other states on the Gulf Cooperation Council have spent an estimated 36 billion US dollars on military purchases, mainly from the United States.

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