US firm Raytheon plans to deliver arms worth $4 billion to Saudi Arabia, while eyeing more contracts with the kingdom and neighbouring states Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a senior executive said.
The United States said last month Saudi Arabia wants to spend as much as $60 billion on aircraft, helicopters and other arms, kicking off a spending spree in the Gulf anticipating an escalation of the West's row with Iran over its nuclear plans.
Raytheon, which makes missiles and radar systems, said its share in the Saudi deal was worth up to $4 billion, while the defence firm is chasing other contracts in the top oil exporter.
He cited talks with the kingdom over an upgrade of Patriot missiles - famous for shooting down Scud missiles launched by Saddam Hussein's Iraq on Saudi Arabia and Israel in the 1991 Gulf war. Diplomats expect smaller Arab states in the world's top oil producing region to follow with arms orders as they worry they might become targets for strikes. Kuwait was also interested in an upgrade of Patriots, while talks were also going on with Qatar, Culligan told reporters late on Saturday, declining to provide a price tag. Raytheon said it was in talks for another arms deal in the United Arab Emirates.