Saudi Arabia inks deal with US for 320 PAC-3 missiles: Lockheed

Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with the US government last week for the purchase of 320 more Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles built by Lockheed Martin, Reuters reported, citing a senior official at the company.

The sale is said to be part of a $5.4 billion larger deal covering 600 PAC-3 missiles, which was approved by the US in July, Joe Garland, vice president of business development for Lockheed's missiles and fire control division, told the news agency. The remaining 280 missiles are expected to be purchased next year.

The kingdom may also fast track its plans to buy the longer-range Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system under another agreement that could be finalized in 2017, he added.

The deal comes as Saudi Arabia continues with coalition efforts to fight Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have recently fired Scud missiles towards the kingdom, according to media reports.

On Wednesday, the US government said it had approved the possible sale of nine UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to the Gulf country as part of a $495 million deal.