SUSTG.com / Research

Discover stories, topics, and more about Saudi Arebia faster.

Recent stories from sustg

MUST-READS

  • ‘Iran on notice,’ says Pentagon spox of ongoing strikes against Houthis

    U.S. forces are continuing strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen that began over the weekend, Pentagon officials told reporters on Monday, and the strikes will continue until the terrorist group agrees to stop shooting at ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis had apparently not attacked a ship since January, when Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire, but said last week that they would respond to Israel's airstrikes and food blockade in Gaza by resuming attacks on "Israeli ships"—whose loose definition has in the past included a broad swath of vessels. Saturday’s initial wave of U.S. airstrikes struck 30 targets, including weapons plants and depots, training sites, and drone-launching sites, said Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the Joint Staff’s operations director.

  • Hegseth Welcomes Saudi Defense Minister to Pentagon, Underscores Partnership

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today highlighted the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia while hosting that country's defense minister during a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon. Referencing the cooperation that took place between the countries during Trump's first administration, Hegseth pointed out that both nations worked together to pursue security and stability in the Middle East, as well as to combat terrorism in the region and increase mutual prosperity. "Today, our relationship is a critical center of gravity in a very turbulent world," he added.  Stating that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the president's top priorities, Hegseth said he wanted to thank the Saudi Kingdom for hosting conversations between top U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Feb. 18, 2025.  "And I also want to continue deepening and strengthening our partnership to pursue security and prosperity for both Americans and Saudis. So, I'm very much looking forward to a great discussion," Hegseth said.

  • Saudi defense minister, Pentagon chief discuss Saudi-US defense cooperation

    Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said on Sunday that he spoke to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Saudi-US relations. In a post on X, Prince Khalid said during the call, the officials “explored ways to strengthen strategic defense cooperation,” and “discussed efforts to advance international peace and security.” Prince Khalid said he congratulated Hegseth, the chief of Pentagon, on his new role as part of the administration under US President Donald Trump. Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot said in a statement that during the introductory call, both officials reaffirmed “the critical defense partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

  • US approves possible sale of torpedoes to Saudi Arabia: Pentagon

    The State Department approves the possible sale of 20 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes to Saudi Arabia for $78.5 million, according to the Pentagon. “The proposed sale will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by upgrading its anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” the Pentagon says. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has repeatedly reaffirmed to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Washington’s commitment to the Kingdom’s defense and thanked him for Riyadh’s work to promote calm in the Middle East.

  • Pentagon: US approves multi-billion-dollar weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE

    The US has approved new weapons sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia worth a combined $2.25 billion, the Pentagon announced on Friday. In separate statements, the Pentagon said that the State Department had approved the possible sale of 220 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Tactical Missiles and other related equipment worth an estimated $251.8 million.

  • US to send anti-missile system and troops to Israel, Pentagon says

    The United States said on Sunday it will send U.S. troops to Israel along with an advanced U.S. anti-missile system, in a highly unusual deployment meant to bolster the country's air defenses following missile attacks by Iran. U.S. President Joe Biden said the move was meant "to defend Israel," which is weighing an expected retaliation against Iran after Tehran fired more than 180 missiles at Israel on Oct 1.

  • Pentagon chief underscores US commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defense

    Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said Monday that he had spoken to Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to affirm Washington’s commitment to the Kingdom’s defense and to thank him for Riyadh’s work to promote calm in the Middle East. Prince Khalid said the pair reviewed the Saudi-US strategic partnership and ways to bolster defense cooperation. The Pentagon said Austin underscored the United States’ longstanding commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defense and the importance of the US-Saudi defense partnership to regional security. The call took place on Monday night.

  • Behind scenes of Israel-Saudi deal, Pentagon works Arab air defense shield

    The department’s top Middle East policy chief, Dan Shapiro, along with officials from CENTCOM and the Joint Staff, are leading the discussions with military representatives from all five Gulf Cooperation Council countries for the second annual round of defense working group meetings in the Saudi capital.

    Read more: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/05/behind-scenes-israel-saudi-deal-pentagon-works-arab-air-defense-shield#ixzz8b3XkAeuS

  • US needs cheaper ways to shoot down drones, Pentagon acquisition chief says

    After months of shooting down drones over the Middle East, the cost of those interceptions is getting too high. That’s according to the Pentagon’s chief of weapons procurement, who said that efforts to take out uncrewed aerial systems are now exceeding $100,000 per shot.

  • US approves sale of blanket order training for Saudi Arabia’s Naval Forces: Pentagon

    The US on Tuesday approved a blanket order of training for Saudi Arabia’s Naval Forces in a deal worth $250 million. The Pentagon says the training will enhance Riyadh’s ability to defend itself against regional malign actors and support US Navy efforts to enforce freedom of navigation.

    The Pentagon said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification, notifying Congress of this possible sale on Tuesday.