The 2nd Air Wing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force`s F-15s fighters hold a joint military drill with the US` F-16s fighters at Sea of Japan, off Japan`s southernmost main island of Kyushu, Japan, in this handout picture released by the Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan on February 19, 2023. (By Reuters)

The United States has approved a potential $3 billion deal for sale of F-15 fighter jet sustainment equipment to Saudi Arabia, furthering its controversial arms race in the Persian Gulf.

The US State Department authorized a potential $3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia to support sustainment of the Arab Kingdom`s F-15 fighter jet fleet, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the sale includes spares, repair parts, consumables, software support, personnel training, and engineering and logistics services.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the [Persian] Gulf Region," it added.

The DSCA, part of the Pentagon, offers financial and technical support, facilitates the transfer of defense equipment, provides training and services to allied nations, and fosters military-to-military cooperation.

A small number of additional US civilian contractors or military personnel might be deployed to the Kingdom as part of the deal, the statement further noted.

This move follows last week`s approval of a possible $9 billion sale of 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement Missiles (PAC-3 MSEs) to Saudi Arabia.

"This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia`s contribution to integrated air and missile defense in the CENTCOM region," the Pentagon said.

The PAC-3 MSE, made by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced interceptors, capable of detecting and destroying ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced drones.

During an official visit to Washington on January 29, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

"We reviewed the strategic relations between our countries and explore prospects for enhancing our cooperation. We also discussed our efforts to advance regional and global peace and stability," Prince Khalid said.

The meetings were also attended by Saudi Ambassador Princess Reema bint Bandar and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili.

The US continues to supply Saudi Arabia with advanced weapons, claiming they will not disrupt the military balance. Yet these arms sales risk destabilizing the Persian Gulf, fueling an arms race, and heightening regional tensions, given Washington`s history of intensifying insecurity under the guise of strategic partnership.