(MENAFN) The Pentagon announced Monday that the US State Department has given preliminary authorization for two Saudi Arabian military procurement packages centered on helicopter logistics and pilot instruction, totaling $1 billion in combined value.

According to dual notifications issued by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the prospective transactions comprise a $500 million Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Arrangement alongside a separate $500 million blanket aviation training contract.

Under the logistics framework, Saudi Arabia would gain access to US-administered replacement components and maintenance services for its American-manufactured rotorcraft inventory—spanning UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apache gunships, CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333 platforms, and Aerial Scout choppers.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region," the DSCA stated.

The second clearance enables US Army instructors to deliver comprehensive coursework to Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Corps aviators and ground crews, spanning "initial through advanced rotary-wing flight and maintainer training" across Apache, Chinook, Lakota, and Black Hawk platforms, per the agency's announcement.

These authorizations emerge as Saudi Arabia pursues acquisition of F-35 stealth fighters, with President Donald Trump declaring last month that the US "will be selling" the advanced jets to Riyadh.

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