US Approves $100 Million Precision Rocket Sale to Saudi Arabia Amid Yemen Conflict
Washington, D.C., March 20, 2025 – The United States Department of State has approved a potential sale of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, valued at an estimated $100 million. This decision, announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on March 20, 2025, signifies a notable development in the defense relationship between the two nations.
The sale is part of the ongoing military cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, a key ally in the Gulf region. As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, particularly in Yemen, this arms deal is expected to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities.
Details of the Proposed Sale
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to purchase 2,000 APKWS II All-Up-Round laser-guided rocket systems. In addition to the munitions, the proposed package includes spare parts, support equipment, missile software, training, and comprehensive logistical and program support. The primary contractor for this potential sale is BAE Systems, Inc., headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia.
The DSCA emphasized that the sale will not only improve Saudi Arabia’s ability to address regional threats but also enhance interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. The APKWS system is designed to provide precision-strike capability at a relatively low cost compared to other guided missile systems.
Strategic Implications
The DSCA asserts that this sale will bolster Saudi Arabia’s capability to address current and future threats, allowing for precise engagement with reduced risk of collateral damage. The U.S. sees Saudi Arabia as a crucial partner in maintaining stability in the Gulf region, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to pose a significant security challenge.
By approving the sale, the Biden administration is reinforcing its support for Saudi Arabia’s defense initiatives while balancing diplomatic relations with other regional powers. However, critics argue that continued arms sales to the Kingdom may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Technical Overview of APKWS II
Developed by BAE Systems, the APKWS II transforms standard 70 mm rockets into precision-guided munitions. Equipped with a semi-active laser guidance section, these rockets are effective against both airborne and surface targets. Each unit costs approximately $22,000, offering a cost-effective solution for neutralizing low-cost, small armed drones, such as those employed by the Houthi rebels.
The system has been widely used by U.S. forces and allied militaries, proving effective in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. Its precision and affordability make it an attractive option for countries seeking to modernize their arsenals without incurring the high costs associated with larger missile systems.
Context: The Yemen Conflict
Yemen’s civil war began in late 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa. In response, Saudi Arabia led a Western-backed coalition in March 2015 to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, devastated Yemen’s economy, and left millions facing hunger.
Despite a ceasefire in 2022, hostilities have recently escalated, with the U.S. conducting strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, marking the most significant operation since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. Saudi Arabia continues to face threats from drone and missile attacks launched by Houthi forces, making the APKWS II sale particularly relevant in the current geopolitical climate.
Human rights organizations have expressed concerns over U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. While Saudi officials maintain that their military operations are defensive in nature, critics argue that continued weapons transfers could contribute to civilian casualties and prolong the conflict.
Legislative Process and Future Steps
The DSCA has notified Congress of the possible sale, a standard procedure in foreign military sales. This notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. Congress now has the opportunity to review the proposed sale before it can proceed. Lawmakers, particularly those critical of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, may push for greater oversight or even attempt to block the sale.
In recent years, U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia have faced bipartisan scrutiny. Some members of Congress have called for restrictions on arms transfers due to concerns over human rights violations and the Kingdom’s role in the Yemen conflict. However, the Biden administration has argued that supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense needs aligns with broader U.S. security objectives in the region.
Regional Military Developments
This approval is part of a series of U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. In October 2024, the U.S. approved the sale of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and AGM-114R3 Hellfire II air-to-surface missiles to the Kingdom, totaling approximately $906.8 million. These sales aim to enhance Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities and interoperability with U.S. forces and other Gulf countries.
Saudi Arabia has also been investing heavily in modernizing its military through domestic production and international partnerships. The Kingdom has recently announced plans to develop indigenous defense technologies, reducing reliance on foreign arms suppliers in the long term. However, for the foreseeable future, U.S. support remains critical to Saudi defense strategy.
Geopolitical and Economic Considerations
Beyond the security implications, this sale also has economic and diplomatic ramifications. The U.S. defense industry benefits significantly from arms sales to Saudi Arabia, with billions of dollars in contracts supporting American jobs and military-industrial production.
From a geopolitical standpoint, the approval of this deal sends a clear message of continued U.S. support for Saudi Arabia, particularly as global powers such as China and Russia seek to expand their influence in the Gulf. While Saudi Arabia has explored defense cooperation with other countries, its military remains closely tied to U.S. technology and expertise.
Conclusion
The U.S. approval of the $100 million APKWS II sale to Saudi Arabia underscores the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations. As the situation in Yemen remains volatile, this arms deal reflects a continued commitment to bolstering defense capabilities in the Gulf region.
However, the sale is likely to face criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups concerned about its potential impact on the Yemen conflict. Whether Congress will challenge the deal remains to be seen, but for now, Saudi Arabia stands to strengthen its military capabilities with the latest in precision-guided technology.
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