US approves helicopter maintenance deal for Saudis

The United States has agreed to a contract to carry out maintenance to  Saudi Arabia’s Saudi military’s Apache and Black Hawk attack helicopters, the first contract with the kingdom since President Joe Biden took office .

A State Department statement issued Thursday indicated that the contract includes sending 350 contractor technicians and two government officials over two years to handle the maintenance.

The US has approved a potential agreement covering up to $500 million in military support services for Saudi Arabia, and has sent the agreement to Congress for review, the Pentagon said .

Last week, US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin cancelled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia, having been unable to meet with the crown prince, who is also the Saudi defense minister.

Since the beginning of his term, Biden ordered a review of all arms contracts concluded by his predecessor Donald Trump with Saudi Arabia and other countries.

E.M