US State Department Approves $1 Billion in Helicopter Support and Training for Saudi Arabia

US Greenlights Major Helicopter Deals for Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has given its approval for two potential foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia, collectively valued at an estimated $1 billion. These significant deals are aimed at bolstering the helicopter fleet services of the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps (RSLFAC), providing essential support and training. The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the clearance of these sales on December 1, 2025, with news reports following on December 2nd and 3rd.

Details of the Approved Packages

The $1 billion total is divided into two distinct packages, each valued at $500 million.

• The first package is a Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement (CLSSA). This arrangement will grant Saudi Arabia streamlined access to the U.S. system for requisitioning spare and repair parts for its American-made helicopter fleet.
• The second package is a blanket order training package. This authorizes the U.S. Army to provide comprehensive flight and maintenance training for RSLFAC personnel. The training, covering initial through advanced rotary-wing operations, will be conducted by U.S. Army instructors at training sites within the United States.

The support and training will cover a diverse range of helicopters operated by the RSLFAC, including UH-60 Black Hawks (UH-60A/L/M), AH-64 Apache attack helicopters (AH-64A/D/E), CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333 trainers, UH-72A Lakota, and MD Helicopters Aerial Scouts.

Strategic Context and Future Considerations

These approvals underscore the ongoing security partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. They are also seen as a move to enhance Saudi Arabia's military modernization efforts, aligning with the kingdom's Vision 2030. The deals follow recent high-level discussions, including a visit to Washington by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where defense cooperation was a key topic.

The helicopter sales occur amidst Saudi Arabia's active pursuit of advanced F-35 fighter jets from the United States. President Donald Trump stated last month that the U.S. 'will be selling' the advanced aircraft to Riyadh. However, any future F-35 sale is expected to undergo a rigorous 30-day congressional review, where lawmakers may raise objections.

Congressional Review Pending

The approved helicopter sales will now proceed to the U.S. Congress for review. Congress has a 30-day window to examine the proposed transactions before they can be finalized. This process ensures legislative oversight on significant foreign military sales, allowing for potential objections or further scrutiny.