The United States has given the green light to two major Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for Saudi Arabia worth a combined $1 billion, reinforcing the kingdom’s long-term push to upgrade its helicopter fleet while continuing its campaign to acquire F-35 fighter jets. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the State Department has notified Congress of the proposals, each valued at $500 million, triggering a mandatory 30-day review period before the deals can proceed.
The first package is a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement, which grants Riyadh access to the US military’s extensive supply and repair system. This support includes spare parts, maintenance services, and sustainment solutions for a wide range of Saudi-operated helicopters—UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333 trainers, and Aerial Scout platforms. The agreement also covers logistics, engineering support, and program oversight to ensure long-term operational readiness.
The second proposal focuses on a comprehensive aviation training program for the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps. Under this deal, the US Army would provide both flight and maintenance instruction—from basic to advanced levels—at designated training bases in the United States. The curriculum includes operational training on Apache, Chinook, Lakota, and Black Hawk helicopters, equipping personnel with the skills needed to manage diverse mission requirements.
The Pentagon has emphasized that the deals will significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to sustain and operate its US-made rotary-wing fleet while deepening military cooperation between the two countries. Officials also noted that the proposed sales will not alter the regional balance of power nor require the deployment of additional US personnel to Saudi Arabia.
