US to sell $ 60bn arms to Saudi Arabia

Washington, 21 Oct-(ANA)-US officials have confirmed they intend to sell $ 60bn (£ 38bn) of arms to Saudi Arabia, including helicopters and jets.

The state department said details of the deal had been sent to Congress, which now has 30 days to object.

If completed, it could be the most lucrative single arms deal in US history and could support 75,000 jobs.

The state department said Israel, traditionally wary of arms deals involving Arab states, was not expected to raise objections.

The Pentagon said the Saudis were expected to initially select about $ 30bn worth of aircraft. Delivery of the weapons is expected to be spread over 15 to 20 years.

Saudi Arabia is one of the top buyers of weapons in the developing world.(ANA)

FA/ANA/21 October 2010---------