US Plans Saudi Arms Deal

The US is preparing to enter a huge arms deal with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states worth $20bn over the next decade, according to US media reports.

Newspapers The New York Times and The Washington Post quoted unnamed senior US officials as saying the deal will be discussed when US officials visit the region later this week.

The proposed deal for Saudi Arabia includes air-to-air missiles, advanced precision-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters and new naval vessels.

Other allies in the area, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could also receive equipment in the deal which is part of a strategy to counter the threat posed by Iran.

To counter possible objections, Israel will be offered significantly increased military aid.