The US has approved the potential sale of Patriot air defense missiles worth approximately $9 billion to Saudi Arabia.
This announcement came from the U.S. State Department via notifications from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and Pentagon statements.
Saudi Arabia, a longstanding U.S. ally and designated Major Non-NATO partner, requested the purchase of 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors.
These are advanced hit-to-kill interceptors produced by Lockheed Martin, designed to neutralize ballistic and cruise missiles while countering threats from invading warplanes.
The package also includes related support items such as: upgrade kits for existing launchers, supporting equipment, spare parts, encrypted software, technical manuals, training systems, and logistical and engineering support.
The U.S. government highlighted that this sale aligns with US foreign policy and national security goals. It aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air and missile defense capabilities, enhancing the kingdom’s role in regional stability and its integration into the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) joint defense framework in the Gulf.
Officials stated that the deal will not alter the overall military balance in the Middle East and will have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
The Trump administration has pursued robust arms support for key allies in the area, as evidenced by the simultaneous approval of billions in arms sales to Israel. The State Department said it approved a $3.8-billion sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters to Israel.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the State Department said in a statement.
“This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” it said. Also in the package was a $1.8 billion sale of joint light tactical vehicles.
Saudi Arabia has long relied on Patriot systems for its defense and security. The PAC-3 MSE variant represents a massive upgrade against advancing threats. The deal remains subject to congressional review and final negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the manufacturer.
The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) represents the latest evolution in the combat-proven Patriot missile defense family.
The PAC-3 MSE is a high-velocity, hit-to-kill interceptor designed to destroy incoming threats through direct kinetic impact, delivering exponentially more energy on target than traditional blast-fragmentation warheads.
This approach ensures precise, lethal engagements against a wide array of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, advanced maneuvering threats, hypersonic weapons, and warplanes.
Key advancements set the PAC-3 MSE apart from its predecessors: a larger dual-pulse solid rocket motor provides remarkably higher thrust. It facilitates extended range, higher altitude, and greater coverage.
Enlarged and folding control fins combined with an Attitude Control Section featuring attitude control motors deliver superior agility and rapid divert response for terminal-phase intercepts.
An advanced Ka-band active radar seeker provides high-accuracy, all-weather target acquisition, delivering range, range rate, and angle data for precise homing guidance. Upgraded components include new actuators, thermal batteries, electronics with additional hardening, an updated lethality enhancer, and enhanced software for improved maneuverability and lethality across the engagement envelope.
These enhancements dramatically improve the missile’s performance, enabling it to neutralize sophisticated aerial threats.
The PAC-3 MSE integrates seamlessly into broader Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) architectures, including links with systems such as THAAD, the Army’s IBCS battle command system, F-35 sensors, and emerging radars such as LTAMDS, enabling 360-degree engagement capabilities.
Its production has accelerated immensely in recent years due to global demand, especially after the Ukraine War, with Lockheed Martin delivering over 620 units in 2025.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump greenlit the sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, but still requires congressional approval.
Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally of the USA during a visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, DC, on November 18, and signed a “historic strategic defence agreement.”
The White House announced that Trump authorized a future delivery of F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, and the country had agreed to buy 300 US tanks.
The US President did not reveal the number of jets that will be sold, but reports indicated that Riyadh had formally requested 48 F-35 fighters.
Approval for the sale of F-35s was granted despite stiff opposition from Israel, which fears that the cutting-edge warplanes could erode its Qualitative Military Edge in the Middle East.
By ET Online Desk
