Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. government has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to sell nearly $30 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets, federal officials said Thursday.
The $29.4 billion deal -- announced against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran -- calls for the production of up to 84 new F-15SA aircraft and the modernization of 70 current F-15s, along with "munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics,"
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro told reporters.
The agreement, which was signed over the weekend by U.S. and Saudi officials, "demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability as a key component to regional security," Shapiro said. "This sale will send a strong message to countries in the region that the United States is committed to stability in the Gulf and broader Middle East."
Shapiro sought to allay concerns the sale could compromise Israel's military edge. "By law, all sales to the region must be evaluated for the impact on Israel's qualitative military edge," he said of the review conducted before the Saudi deal went forward. "We conducted that assessment and we are satisfied that this sale to Saudi Arabia will not (diminish) Israel's qualitative military edge," Shapiro said.
Administration officials first notified Congress of plans for a major new weapons deal with Saudi Arabia in October 2010. The deal is meant to further align the Saudi military relationship with the United States and equip the kingdom so it can better protect its security and oil structure, which "is critical to our economic interests," Shapiro said at the time.
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