World Bulletin / News Desk

Despite calls by international human rights groups on the U.S. to stop providing Saudi Arabia with weapons being used in the onslaught in Yemen, Washington has approved for a US$11.25-billion sale to the Saudi military of up to four Lockheed Martin Corp multi-mission warships, plus associated equipment, training and logistics.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress late Monday about the possible sale, and released a statement on its website on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

"We stand ready to support that sale," Lockheed Chief Executive Officer Marillyn Hewson told analysts on an earnings call. She said the deal could be completed in 2016.

The Pentagon’s office in charge of the sale of weapons and other military equipment (DSCA) said the major defense equipment involved in the deal was worth US$4.3 billion, with the rest going to fund extensive engineering, logistics and training required for the program.

U.S. members of Congress now have 30 days to block the sale, an action that is rare since potential deals are carefully vetted before formal notification is given.