The United States had signed Thursday a $30 billion arms deal to provide Saudi Arabia with 84 new fighter jets, and stated that this move had sent a "strong message" to the Gulf region.

The United States signed Thursday a $30 billion arms deal to provide Saudi Arabia with 84 new fighter jets, and stated that this move sent a "strong message" to the Gulf region.

The $29.4 billion deal, which was signed on Saturday in Riyadh, will supply 84 new Boeing F-15SA aircraft, modernize 70 existing planes, and also includes munitions, spare parts, training and maintenance contracts, AFP quoted US officials as saying.

"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," senior State Department official Andrew Shapiro said.

"It will enhance Saudi Arabia's ability to deter and defend against external threats to its sovereignty,” he added.