Perspectives on Military Sales to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. military sales customer. The United States has assisted Saudi Arabia in defining its defense needs, which, in the absence of an imminent threat, appear to be to protect its borders and oil fields. Through sales of construction expertise, equipment, training, and management, the United States is helping to develop Saudi armed forces to meet these needs. Saudi Arabia is vital to the United States for political, economic, and geographical reasons.