Overview
- The U.S. State Department sent a congressional notification on Wednesday that approved a possible $1.96 billion Foreign Military Sale for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS‑II) guidance sections and related gear.
- Saudi Arabia requested up to 20,000 guidance sections split between 10,000 air‑to‑air and 10,000 air‑to‑ground kits, plus LAU‑131 rocket launchers, Mk‑152 warheads, MK66 motors, proximity fuzes, training, spare parts, and sustainment support.
- BAE Systems is named as the principal contractor and the implementation plan calls for 15 additional U.S. government and 15 U.S. contractor personnel to be deployed to Saudi Arabia for program reviews, training and long‑term maintenance support.
- The APKWS‑II guidance kit converts standard 70mm Hydra rockets into laser‑guided weapons that cost roughly $15,000–$22,000 for the guidance section, offering a far cheaper interceptor against cheap attack drones than air‑to‑air missiles that cost hundreds of thousands to about $1 million each.
- The notification is a procedural step, not a signed contract, and the sale could be changed, paused or blocked through negotiations or congressional action while supporters say it will strengthen Saudi air defence and critics warn it could raise regional escalation and human‑rights concerns.