US Approves $2 Billion Sale of Guided APKWS Rockets to Saudi Arabia
Acquisition of guided rockets will bolster Riyadh's ability to counter Iranian drones. The US government has cleared the possible sale of nearly $2 billion in BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) munitions to Saudi Arabia. According to the US Department of State, the potential Foreign Military Sale covers up to 20,000 APKWS rounds, divided equally between air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Valued at $1.96 billion, the package includes a range of other equipment, including LAU-131 launchers, which allow the APKWS system to be mounted on fixed-wing combat aircraft. The scope of the potential package reflects the rising threat of one-way attack drones. Systems such as the Hesa Shahed 136 have been among Tehran's main ways of striking US partners in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia. "The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces," says the Department of State. "The proposed sale will also augment Saudi Arabia's operational aircraft and enhance its air-to-air, and air-to-ground self-defence capability. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces." Separately, Kuwait has been cleared for a potential $484 million sustainment package for its Boeing C-17 strategic transports, comprising spares and other equipment and services. FlightGlobal's 2026 World Air Forces directory indicates the Kuwaiti air force operates a pair of C-17s.