Saudi deal shines light on Yemen campaign
The US State Department’s approval of another billion dollar arms deal to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided some rare insight into the country’s military campaign in neighbouring Yemen.
On 9 August, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that a $1.15 billion foreign military sale (FMS) - including 153 M1A1/A2 tank structures, 20 armoured recovery vehicles, along with weapons and ammunition – had been approved for Saudi Arabia.
According to the DSCA, the sale will help ‘improve the security of a strategic regional partner which has been and continues to be a leading contributor of political stability
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is in service on five continents with more than 120 platforms delivered. The system will now form part of Belgium’s Blue Dome air defence system alongside new orders for Skyranger air defence and Thales radar systems.
-
Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
-
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
A medium UGV market emerges as the US weighs up its options
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
-
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.