The potential sale of US-made TOW missiles to Saudi Arabia is just one sign of the United States' commitment as a strategic partner for regional stability and security.

TOW historically stands for tube launched, optically tracked, wire guided.

However, the missiles going to Saudi Arabia are wireless guided.

The US State Department last October approved the potential sale of 507 TOW 2A and 507 TOW 2B radio frequency missiles to Saudi Arabia.

The potential deal also includes support and logistics services.

The TOW missile, which is launched from a tube, is a long-range, precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious-landing system.

It has a warhead at the front, cruciform wings in the middle, four control vanes and single-stage solid propellant rocket motor at the rear, according to the US Army.

The 2A version has a tandem warhead that is equipped with a small disrupter charge that detonates reactive armor and allows the main shaped charge to penetrate main armor. The 2B version utilizes a "flyover shoot down" top attack mode with two tantalum explosively formed penetrator warheads.

Both versions of the TOW missile, which have a range from 3.7 to 4.5km, can be launched from multiple platforms, including the Improved Target Acquisition System launcher, the Stryker armored fighting vehicle and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

A history of cooperation

This proposed sale will "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region," said the State Department announcement.

It will also improve Saudi Arabia's ability "to meet current and future threats by enhancing the strength of its homeland defense," it added.

The sale is just one example of the partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The two nations regularly take part in bilateral and multilateral military training exercises, including major drills such as Red Flag, Eagle Resolve and Red Sands, to enhance interoperability and advanced air defense capabilities.

The kingdom buys almost 80% of its arms from the United States, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Additionally, more than 2,000 US military personnel are deployed to Saudi Arabia to implement defense and security cooperation programs and to counter and deter Iranian threats, according to a Congressional Research Service report published last March.

The US State Department describes the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States as "more than seven decades of close friendship and cooperation," spanning counterterrorism, defense and the economy.