"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the Pentagon said in a notification to Congress. "Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces."

"The proposed sale will greatly improve the accuracy of unguided, general-purpose bombs in any weather condition enabling the Royal Saudi Air Force's F-15S aircraft to participate to a greater degree in coalition operations," DSCA said on Jan. 14. "The proposed sale of JDAMs for use on RSAF F-15S aircraft will enhance training opportunities; increase RSAF F-15 operational capability, sustainability, and interoperability with USAF, Gulf Cooperation Council, and other coalition air forces."

Saudi Arabia has requested 900 JDAM tail kits in a deal estimated at $123 million. The Pentagon, which released its notification on Tuesday, said the kits would include 550 GBU-38s for the MK-82 general purpose bomb, 250 GBU-31s for MK-84, and 100 GBU-31s for BLU-109.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region," the agency said.

Boeing has been deemed the prime contractor of the proposed sale. The Pentagon said the sale would include offsets and require the stationing of four Boeing representatives in Saudi Arabia to integrate JDAM on the F-15S.

"Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of approximately four contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia to provide technical assistance to integrate the weapons into the operational units," DSCA said. "Also, this program will require annual Program Management Reviews in Saudi Arabia with U.S and contractor personnel participation for a period of approximately one week."

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