US to sell $60 billion in advanced arms to Saudi

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has notified Congress that it plans to sell up to $60 billion in advanced weaponry to Saudi Arabia, in one of the largest–ever single U.S. arms deals.

The State Department and Pentagon informed lawmakers on Wednesday of the sales that will include 84 new sophisticated F–15 fighter jets, upgrades to 70 existing Saudi F–15s, 190 helicopters and a wide array of missiles, bombs, launchers and equipment such as night–vision goggles and radar warning systems.

Officials said the deal is designed to improve Saudi Arabia's defenses, promote stability in the Gulf and strengthen U.S. national security. Congress has 30 days to block the deal but the officials said they did not expect significant opposition.