— The Obama administration signed on to a deal to sell F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, an agreement that could provide a major boost to the St. Louis region.

The $29.4 billion deal includes production of 84 new aircraft, which are manufactured by Boeing at a facility near St. Louis. The agreement with Saudi Arabia, a key Arab ally, was approved by Congress last year.

U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affaris, said he pushed for the deal in the congress, and lauded today’s movement as beneficial for national security and the regional economy.

“[T]his deal will ensure years of new fighter production at Boeing, keeping hundreds of middle-class manufacturing jobs in St. Louis,” he said. “We should take pride in yet another success that shows when we all work together, St. Louis can compete and win.”

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D., who visited the Boeing manufacturing facility earlier this year, said she is “thrilled” that this “big order” is likely going to happen.

“These are important jobs in our community. I will continue advocating for sales of Boeing products,” she said.