US OKs $440M Sale of RTX TOW Missiles to Saudi Arabia

The State Department has approved the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided, radio frequency TOW 2A and TOW 2B missiles for an estimated cost of $440 million.

RTX will serve as the principal contractor for the proposed foreign military sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.

US Weapon Sale to Saudi Arabia

The FMS comprises 507 TOW 2A and 507 TOW 2B RF missiles. Saudi Arabia also plans to acquire simulators, test equipment, spare and repair parts, integration support, personnel training and other related items and services.

DCSA, which has notified Congress about the possible FMS, said the State Department determined that the potential sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region or negatively impact U.S. defense readiness.

Saudi Arabia is a major U.S. partner in the Middle East. In October, Washington also cleared the Arab nation’s purchase request for AGM-114R3 Hellfire II missiles, AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles, machine guns, ammunition and related equipment for $1.05 billion.

RTX’s TOW missiles

The TOW weapon systems are designed for long-range, heavy assault-precision, anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious. The technology is used around the world, including in Ukraine supplied by the Department of Defense.

Recently, RTX subsidiary Raytheon secured $676 million in contracts to continue production of TOW missiles at its Tucson, Arizona, facilities for the U.S. Army.

Sponsor