Barack Obama, Arms Dealer? U.S. Close to $60 Billion Deal With Saudi Arabia

Just as we mention that 2009 was a very bad year for weapons sales, which hit a low since 2005 due to the global recession, well, about that...the White House may be poised to change their tune according to the Wall Street Journal, with "plans to offer advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia worth up to $60 billion, the largest U.S. arms deal ever." Which they're supposed to notify Congress about "soon."

The administration plans to tout the $60 billion package as a major job creator -- supporting at least 75,000 jobs, according to company estimates -- and sees the sale of advanced fighter jets and military helicopters to key Middle Eastern ally Riyadh as part of a broader policy aimed at shoring up Arab allies against Iran.

In addition to the $60 billion "package," which would reportedly include 84 new F-15 fighters, among other aircraft, there may be a $30 billion addition to help upgrade Saudi Arabia's naval forces, including combat ships and surface vessels, and ballistic-missile defenses.

Er, making up for 2009, much? And to think we considered a decrease in arms proliferation a bright spot in the recession.

[via WSJ]

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