Saudi Arabia is the top destination for U.S. arms, purchasing 9.7% of U.S. exports last year. Recent sales approved by the U.S. State Department include Sikorsky’s Black Hawk helicopters worth a total of $495 million and Raytheon-made Patriot Missiles worth $5.4 billion, as well as a $1.3 billion sale of air-to-ground munitions meant to replenish stocks used in the Yemen war.
Saudi Arabia’s total U.S. defense imports increased by a ridiculous 275% in just four years between 2006 and 2010, according to the research organization SIPRI. The United States also helps Saudi Arabia secure its oil assets by providing training and advisers to Saudi security forces on the ground.
In short, Saudi Arabia is a cash cow for big guns and butt-kicking security guards.