Brussels - Washington: Europe, Arabs and agencies
The US State Department approved the potential sale of Stinger anti-aircraft missile systems worth $780 million to a number of the US's European allies. Especially Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, and based on a request in this regard that Washington received from NATO, which is based in Brussels.
The US Defense and Security Cooperation Agency, affiliated with the Pentagon, indicated in a statement yesterday, Friday, that the potential deal may be concluded with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, and includes missile systems, their equipment, and maintenance costs worth about $780 million.
NATO requested from the United States 940 Stinger missile systems for Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said that this deal “is consistent with US foreign policy objectives and US national security interests, as it will help strengthen the defense of the three NATO allies.”
The US State Department also approved a potential deal with the aforementioned NATO agency to provide maintenance services and equipment for C-17 military transport aircraft worth $150 million.
The US administration informed Congress of its decisions. Lawmakers will have 30 days to consider potential deals and block them if deemed necessary.