The U.S. has tentatively approved the sale of lightweight torpedoes to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of a batch of lightweight torpedoes and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia. The primary contractor for this deal is the American company RTX Integrated Defense Systems.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

It is noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made a request to purchase twenty MK 54 MOD 0 (LWT) lightweight torpedoes with a full ammunition load, amounting to a total of $78.5 million.

The requested package also includes spare parts, training torpedoes MK 54, handling forms, containers, and other related logistics and program support elements. The total cost of the program is estimated at $78.5 million.

"The proposed sale will enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to deter current and future threats by modernizing its anti-submarine capabilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulties in integrating this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not change the fundamental military balance in the region," the statement said.

The sale of this weapon will require a temporary visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by up to two representatives of the U.S. government or up to two representatives of the contractor for technical program support and oversight.

The primary contractor will be RTX Integrated Defense Systems, based in Portsmouth, Riverland.

RTX Corporation (RTX.N) is an aerospace and defense company providing advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government clients worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.

U.S. Defense Assistance to Countries Worldwide

The United States regularly provides military and defense assistance to partners around the globe.

In October, Saudi Arabia announced the procurement of a large package of American weapons.

In early December, a missile manufactured by RTX Corp successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile launched from the air. The tests took place off the coast near the Andersen Air Force Base.

At the end of December, Israel used the American THAAD missile defense system for the first time, destroying a ballistic missile launched from Yemen.