US greenlights over $16B in ’emergency’ radar and missile sales to Middle East
WASHINGTON — As US allies in the Middle East fend off Iranian missile and drone strikes, the US today announced a slew of potential “emergency” Foreign Military Sales for high-dollar equipment that could replace munitions and systems used in the fight.
In a series of notices posted online, the State Department said it’s ready to greenlight deals including $8 billion-worth of Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor radars and associated equipment for Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates could see a $4.5 billion deal for a long-range radar and other equipment to work with Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, $2.1 billion in counter-drone systems, $1.2 billion in air-to-air missiles and $644 million-worth of F-16 munitions and upgrades. Jordan, meanwhile, could get $70.5 million in aircraft repair work and spare parts.
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In language echoed in the other notices, the State Department said that for the radar sale to Kuwait, “The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to Kuwait of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States,” and was “thereby waiving” congressional review requirements.
Each Middle Eastern nation has been targeted by Iranian strikes since the US and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Tehran last month. In Kuwait, six American soldiers were killed in a drone strike on a US command center there. The UAE has seen a disproportionate number of Iranian attacks, engaging seven missiles and 15 unmanned aerial vehicles just today, according to its Ministry of Defense.
The U.S. announced over $16 billion in emergency military sales to Middle Eastern allies, including $8 billion for Kuwait's air defense systems and $4.5 billion for the UAE's long-range radar. This decision follows increased Iranian missile and drone attacks on these nations, with U.S. officials citing national security interests. Jordan is also set to receive $70.5 million for aircraft repairs and spare parts.
- U.S. greenlights over $16 billion in emergency military sales to Middle Eastern allies.
- Kuwait is set to receive $8 billion in air defense radars and equipment.
- The UAE could receive $4.5 billion for long-range radar and THAAD systems.
- Jordan may get $70.5 million for aircraft repair and spare parts.
- Iranian strikes have targeted these nations, prompting U.S. military support.