US approves potential $9 billion sale of Patriot missiles to Saudis

WASHINGTON - The US State Department has approved the potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia for an estimated cost of $9 billion, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The principal contractor for the sale of the missiles - Patriot advanced capability-3 missile segment enhancement missiles (PAC-3 MSE) - will be Lockheed Martin Corp, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The State Department approval follows a request by Saudi Arabia to buy 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles, the Pentagon said.

This massive deal represents a significant deepening of the US-Saudi security partnership under the Trump administration.

Unlike older versions, the PAC-3 MSE is a "hit-to-kill" interceptor. It uses kinetic energy to destroy incoming targets rather than a fragmentation warhead, making it highly effective against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.

The proposed sale will not alter the military balance in the Middle East, and it will not result in any adverse impact on US defense readiness, the Pentagon added. 

The timing of the approval is notable, coming as Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster its defenses against persistent drone and missile threats from regional actors, particularly amid heightened tensions with Iran.