The Pentagon on Friday said it had approved the potential sale of 25 C-130J transport and refuelling planes built by Lockheed Martin Corp to Saudi Arabia for up to $6.7 billion. The Defence Security Co-operation Agency notified Congress about the possible sale on Thursday, according to a posting on the agency's website.
Lawmakers have 30 days to block the sale although such action is rare since sales are carefully vetted before being publicly announced. The sale covers 20 C-130J-30 transport planes and 5 KC-130J refuelling planes, as well as 120 engines built by Britain's Rolls Royce, parts, training and logistical support. "Saudi Arabia needs these aircraft to sustain its aging fleet, which faces increasing obsolescence," the agency said.