The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia covering Blanket Order Training and related equipment worth an estimated USD 1 Bn (EUR 0.91 Bn), the US US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 22 December 2023.
The proposed training package has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Saudi Arabia has requested the continuation of a blanket order training programme, covering training both inside and outside the kingdom, that includes, but is not limited to: flight training; technical training; professional military education; specialised training; Mobile Training Teams (MTTs); a Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT); Extended Training Service Specialists (ETSS); and English language training. These blanket order training cases will cover all relevant types of training offered by or contracted through the US Air Force or other DoD agencies. This training for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and other Saudi forces will include such subjects as civilian casualty avoidance; the laws of armed conflicts; human rights; command and control; and targeting via MTTs and/or broader Programs of Instruction (POIs). Programme management; trainers and simulators; travel; billeting; and medical support may also be included.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a friendly country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the DSCA stated in its notification.
“The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to meet current and future threats and increase its interoperability with the US through comprehensive US Air Force training, the DSCA added. “The training will assist Saudi Arabia by fostering a climate of security in the region through the improved proficiency of the Royal Saudi Air Force.”
There is no principal contractor for the proposed sale, with the training provided by US government or contract vendors based upon requirements as they are determined.
