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According to US officials, Lockheed Martin is going to build the THAAD interceptor and equipment, which will cost $ 2.25 billion.
Raytheon Technologies will build the Patriot interceptor and equipment, which could cost approximately $3.05 billion.
By selling strategic weapons, the US is signaling to strengthen ties between the Middle East and the West
Washington, The US has sealed the sale of its most powerful air defense system to bolster its diplomatic ties in the Middle East. The US State Department has approved deals for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interceptors to the United Arab Emirates and Patriot missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia at a cost of $5.3 billion.
The major missile defense deal comes weeks after US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East. The US is using its defense diplomacy to persuade both countries to increase oil production in OPEC. To control rising inflation in America, President Biden wants to control oil prices. Inflation in America has reached its peak after 40 years, which is tarnishing Biden’s image.
According to the Pentagon, after getting approval from the State Department, it cannot be said that this defense deal has reached the final stage but it is the first public approval. The US State Department has approved the sale of 300 MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missiles and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T) to Saudi Arabia, along with accessories, parts and technical assistance, for the Patriot missile defense system.
In addition, the State Department has also approved the possible sale of 96 THAAD Missile Defense System interceptors and support equipment to the United Arab Emirates.
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tags: america, Middle East, Saudi Arab, United Arab Emirates
First published: Aug 03, 2022, 13:47 IST
