Saudi Arabia will get missiles and an anti-ballistic system from the United States.
The United States has authorized sales to Saudi Arabia of missiles and an anti-ballistic defense system, including 280 air-to-air missiles for up to $650 million. Washington is attempting to heal poor relations with long-standing Gulf allies. Rights organizations worry that new US backing could encourage coalition airstrikes after a UN war crimes committee closure last year. Government officials hope that an increase in military support will deter Saudi Arabia from pursuing closer ties with China, who is looking to create an avenue of purchasing oil using the Yuan rather than the US Dollar.
