The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Blanket Order Training and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Friday 22 December 2023.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested a continuation of a blanket order training program inside and outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that includes, but is not limited to, flight training; technical training; professional military education; specialized training; Mobile Training Teams (MTTs); Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT); Extended Training Service Specialists (ETSS); and English language training. These blanket order training cases will cover all relevant types of training offered by or contracted through the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense Agencies (DOD).

This training for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and other Saudi forces will include such subjects as civilian casualty avoidance; the laws of armed conflicts; human rights; command and control; and targeting via MTTs and/or broader Programs of Instruction (POIs). Program management; trainers, simulators; travel; billeting; and medical support may also be included.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a friendly country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the U.S. through comprehensive U.S. Air Force training. The training will assist Saudi Arabia by fostering a climate of security in the region through the improved proficiency of the Royal Saudi Air Force. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this training into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

There is no principal contractor for the proposed sale. Training will be provided by U.S. Government or contract vendors based upon requirements as they are determined. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the temporary or continuation of assignment of approximately three hundred thirty-nine (339) U.S. Government or contractor training personnel to Saudi Arabia for at least one year with a possibility of extension.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

Source:  Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA); File Photo: Saudi Eurofighter Typhoon © RSAF