Riyadh is arming itself against the Houthis and Iran: the US State Department has approved $5,75 billion in supplies.

Saudi Arabia intends to continue military operations against the Houthis in Yemen and prepare for a direct conflict with Iran. This is indicated by the kingdom's recent military buildup.

The US State Department has approved the sale of Joint Direct Attack Munition - Extended Range (JDAM-ER) guided munitions to Riyadh for over $5 billion, according to Al Arabiya, which moved its operations from Dubai (UAE) to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

The cost of a basic JDAM-ER wing and guidance kit is approximately $10–$25 per unit, but the final price under intergovernmental contracts may be higher.

According to the State Department, the delivery of such a substantial quantity of JDAM-ER is intended to strengthen Saudi Arabia's ability to counter current and future threats, enhance the combat readiness of its armed forces, and ensure their more effective interoperability with US units during joint operations. The JDAM-ER is manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, which has made Boeing the sixth-largest defense contractor in the world.

The JDAM-ER is a GPS-guided bomb equipped with deployable wings and a steerable tail for maneuverability. It has a target range of 75-85 km.

According to a notification sent to the US Congress, the State Department is supporting the sale to Saudi Arabia by including in the delivery over 10 munitions: 5004 BLU-111 bombs (500 lb caliber), weighing 227 kg, and another 5000 heavier BLU-117 bombs (2000 lb caliber), weighing 907 kg, equipped with the necessary modules (kits) for high-precision guidance.

The State Department also noted in its notification that the deal also includes the delivery of FMU-139 fuses, as well as DSU-38 and DSU-40 laser and optical target sensors. The delivery package will include containers, spare parts, and maintenance and logistics support services.

But that's not all. Separately, the State Department approved the sale of 60 AGT-1500 engines and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia for $750 million. The American company Honeywell Aerospace is responsible for their serial production and maintenance. The Avco-Lycoming AGT1500 gas turbine engine produces 1500 horsepower and is the primary powerplant for the M1 Abrams series of tanks. The US Congress now has 30 days to review the proposal and potentially block it.

In addition to the deals with Saudi Arabia, the State Department approved two more potential contracts with regional countries. Oman will be able to purchase F-16 fighter jet maintenance and support services worth approximately $188 million. Iraq has been authorized to sell Bell 412EPX helicopters for $150 million. Thus, the United States has once again expanded military cooperation with several Middle Eastern countries through potential deals worth a total of approximately $6,1 billion.