The U.S. government has authorized the potential sale of new AGM-114R3 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles intended to equip Saudi Arabia’s AH-64 attack helicopters. This was reported by theDepartment of State in its official notification to the U.S. Congress. This authorization adds to a recent approval that includes the possible provision of Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for the Saudi Air Force.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested the purchase of 2,503 AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles from the U.S. government. The authorized package, valued at $655 million, also includes support and testing equipment, spare parts, software, and training services, with Lockheed Martin as the primary supplier.
In a statement issued on October 11, the Department of State expressed: “The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to address current and future threats, as well as improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. Forces and other Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in its defensive capabilities is crucial for protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and residents. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty integrating these missiles into its armed forces.”
Developed by Lockheed Martin, with support from Boeing and Northrop Grumman, the AGM-114 Hellfire is one of the primary air-to-ground anti-tank missiles in service with the U.S. Armed Forces and its allies. Refined over the years since its first introduction in the mid-1980s, the AGM-114R3 Hellfire II, the most modern variant, can be employed by a wide range of platforms, both rotary-wing and fixed-wing. Notable platforms in the former group include the AH-64 attack helicopters and the light AH-6 Little Bird.
Although this new batch of missiles is primarily intended for use by the AH-64 in service with the Saudi Army, they could also be employed by other platforms available in the Saudi forces, such as the aforementioned AH-6 in service with the Saudi National Guard.
Photographs used for illustration purposes
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