US approves possible sale of air defense missiles to Saudi Arabia

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US State Department approved the possible sale of AIM-120C-8 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and related support to Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said Friday.

The estimated cost is $3.5 billion.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region," it said in a statement.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation in the state of Arizona.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Friday.