U.S., Saudi Arabia agree to $30 billion F-15 fighter sale
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 1:34 PM EST, Thu December 29, 2011
The U.S. plans to sell nearly $30 billion worth of F-15 jets to Saudi Arabia.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
The U.S. has signed a deal to sell $30 billion in F-15 fighter jet technology to Saudi Arabia
The deal includes the production of 84 new aircraft
The White House says the deal will provide a $3.5 billion boost to the U.S. economy
Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. government has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to sell nearly $30 billion worth of F-15 combat jets, according to a statement released Thursday by the Obama administration.
The deal -- announced against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran -- calls for the production of 84 new aircraft as well as the modernization of 70 current aircraft along with "munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics," White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said.
"This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security," Earnest said.
The White House also said the deal will provide a $3.5 billion boost to the U.S. economy, saying it will support over 50,000 American jobs and help 600 suppliers in 44 states.
Administration officials first notified Congress of plans for a major new weapons deal with Saudi Arabia back in October 2010. The deal is meant to further align the Saudi military relationship with the United States and allow the kingdom to better protect its security and oil structure, which "is critical to our economic interests," Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political and military affairs, said at the time.
Some members of Congress have expressed concern that the deal could imperil Israel's regional military edge. A senior Israeli official told CNN in 2010 that the administration consulted with Israel as the sale was taking shape and made a commitment that Israel would maintain its edge.
CNN's Adam Levine and Alan Silverleib contributed to this report
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/29/world/meast/u-s--saudi-fighter-sale/index.html?hpt=hp_t2http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16358068
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