8 Weapon Systems the U.S. Is Selling to Saudi Arabia
Earlier this year, the State Department signed off on the sale of 10 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at almost $2 billion.
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Saudi Arabia will pay more than $11 billion for four multi-mission combat ships, a beefed up version of Lockheed Martin’s controversial littoral combat ship, which is designed to fight in shallow waters against submarines and surface vessels.
MC1 James R. Evans
First introduced in 1978 by General Dynamics, the Phalanx close-in weapon system is a radar guided Gatling gun that autonomously defends a ship against incoming missiles, rockets and artillery fire. The units, now produced by Raytheon, are sometimes nicknamed “R2-D2” after the famous “Star Wars” character thanks to their rounded domes and automated operation.
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These Italian-made “super rapido” naval cannons will be installed on the combat ships. They fire up 120 rounds per minute and are capable of destroying incoming anti-ship missiles.
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Sea Sparrow missiles are used to protect ships from enemy missiles and aircraft; 128 of the missiles will be installed on the new combat ships, with rest used for training and as spares.
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Like the Sea Sparrow, this supersonic missile is used against anti-ship missiles. It is deployed on more than 165 ships in eight countries, ranging from 500-ton fast attack craft to 95,000-ton aircraft carriers, according to the manufacturer, Raytheon.
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These anti-ship missiles carry 500-pound warheads and can be launched from aircraft, ships and coastal defense batteries. They are produced by Boeing in Saint Charles, Missouri, and cost more than $1 million per unit.
An older technology that still packs a punch, these guns can be used against light ships and low-flying aircraft.