The United States has approved over $8.6 billion in military sales to key Gulf allies and Israel, spanning advanced air defence systems, precision-guided weapons and battlefield command infrastructure.
The approvals, announced by the US State Department on Friday, include major deals with Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
The sales were cleared after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency provisions to bypass congressional review, citing urgent national security and foreign policy considerations.
ALSO READ: US Approves Over $16 Billion In Arms Sales To Gulf Allies After Iranian Attacks
Qatar: Patriot Shield And Precision Firepower
The largest component of the package is a $4.01 billion deal with Qatar for Patriot air
and missile defence replenishment. This includes 200 PAC-2 missiles and 300 PAC-3 missile segment enhancements, along with support systems and logistics.
In addition, Qatar will receive Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) worth $992.4 million. These laser-guided munitions are designed to convert standard rockets into precision strike weapons, improving targeting accuracy while reducing collateral damage.
Israel: Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System
For Israel, the US has cleared nearly $1 billion worth of APKWS, including 10,000 guided rocket systems and associated support equipment.
In a statement, the US State department said Israel has “requested to buy ten thousand (10,000) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II All Up Round.”
Kuwait: Integrated Battle Command System
Kuwait is set to receive a $2.5 billion Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), a sophisticated network designed to unify air and missile defence operations.
The system includes engagement operation centres, launcher integration kits and advanced communications infrastructure, enabling real-time coordination across multiple defence platforms.
UAE: Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System
The United Arab Emirates will receive APKWS valued at $147.6 million.
“The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested to buy one thousand five hundred (1,500) guidance sections, single variant (air-to-air), Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II,” the department said.
Key Contractors
Major US defence firms including BAE Systems, RTX Corporation, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are involved as principal contractors across these deals.
The approvals come amid ongoing war in the Middle East. Washington said the sales are intended to strengthen allied deterrence and regional stability.
However, the deals are also likely to draw criticism. The US has faced repeated scrutiny over arms sales to partners accused by rights groups of human rights violations, while continued military support to Israel remains contentious globally.
(With inputs from agencies)
