WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department has submitted a proposal to Congress to sell $60 billion worth of advanced aircraft and weapons, officials said.
If the proposal is approved and the sale consummated, it would be the biggest arms deal to another country in U.S. history, The Washington Post reported Thursday.
Congress has 30 days to review the sale before the Pentagon and weapons makers enter into more detailed contract discussions with Saudi Arabia. Congress is expected to review the deal when it is back in session after the November midterm elections.
The package includes 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrades to 70 F-15s already in the Saudis' possession, as well as 70 Apache, 72 Black Hawk and 36 Little Bird helicopters, the Post said. Saudi Arabia would also buy versions of a satellite-guided "smart bomb" system, as well as anti-ship and anti-radar missiles.
The sale would be completed over five to 10 years, depending on production schedules and training needs, officials said.
UPI
