US Approves Sale of 6600 TOW Missile to Saudi Arabia Worth $670 Million

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of TOW 2B (BGM-71F-Series) missiles, made by Raytheon, for an estimated cost of $670 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy up to six thousand six hundred (6,600) TOW 2B missiles (BGM-71F-Series) and ninety-six (96) TOW 2B (BGM-71F-Series) fly-to-buy lot validation missiles.

The proposed sale of TOW 2B missiles and technical support will advance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop an integrated ground defense capability.

The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is the premier long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used throughout the world today. The TOW missile enables ground forces to achieve overmatch against adversary armored and wheeled systems, regardless of the environment or conditions.

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a war with rebel forces in Yemen and the purchase is seen as a re-armament program.