U.S. approves emergency munitions sale to Israel

The United States has approved a possible $151.8 million Foreign Military Sale to Israel for air-delivered munitions and related support, according to a congressional notification released March 6 by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

The proposed package includes 12,000 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound class munition bodies along with engineering, logistics, and technical support services.

The decision was issued under an emergency determination by the Secretary of State, allowing the transaction to proceed without the standard congressional review period normally required under the Arms Export Control Act. U.S. officials said the waiver was issued because an urgent situation required the immediate transfer of the defense articles.

According to the official notice, “The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act.”

The notification states that Israel requested to purchase twelve thousand BLU-110A/B general-purpose munition bodies in the 1,000-pound class. The package also includes non-major defense equipment elements such as engineering assistance, logistics services, and technical support provided by the U.S. government and contractors.

Part of the requirement will be fulfilled through transfers from existing U.S. inventories, while additional units may be supplied through production by defense contractors. The principal contractor listed for the program is Repkon USA, located in Garland, Texas.

According to the State Department notification, the proposed sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the defense capability of a strategic regional partner.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” said the statement.

The approval comes as Israel continues military operations during its ongoing campaign against Iranian forces and affiliated groups across the region. Sustained combat operations have increased demand for air-delivered munitions and related logistical support.

Foreign Military Sales are conducted through a government-to-government framework that allows partner nations to acquire U.S. defense equipment and services. Congressional notifications provide lawmakers with details about the scope of proposed transfers, estimated costs, and contractors involved.