US approves $8.6bn arms sales to UAE, Kuwait, Israel, and Qatar

The US State Department has authorized a series of major foreign military sales totaling more than $8.6 billion to key Middle Eastern allies, including the UAE, Israel, Kuwait, and Qatar. The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential deals on Tuesday, which include advanced missile systems, tactical vehicles, and logistics support. UAE and Kuwait defense upgrades The UAE is cleared to purchase $1.2 billion in munitions and logistical support. The package includes 259 GMLRS Unitary Pods and 1,554 GMLRS Unitary Rockets, alongside 203 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). These systems focus on long-range precision strike capabilities and regional defense integration. Kuwait has received approval for the largest single portion of the announced deals, valued at $5.07 billion. This agreement covers the sale of 60 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and related equipment. This acquisition is intended to modernize Kuwait’s aging air defense infrastructure against short and medium-range aerial threats. Israel and Qatar procurement details Israel’s approved sale, valued at approximately $2 billion, centers on the…