The United States has approved weapons deals for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait totaling $2.44 billion. The larger of the two deals is with Saudi Arabia and will include the purchase of up to 20,000 advanced guidance systems for precision strikes valued at an estimated $1.96 billion. The second deal, worth $484 million, is designated for Kuwait and will be used for maintenance and logistical support for the country's fleet of C-17 transport aircraft. The State Department noted that these deals will strengthen the security of key U.S. allies that are not NATO members, and that the proposed sale 'will not alter the basic military balance of power in the region.'