The United States has approved a proposed arms sale worth $1 billion to the United Arab Emirates, saying the deal would strengthen Abu Dhabi’s ability to respond to current and future security threats.
The US State Department said the sale would help the UAE develop and maintain a stronger self-defence capability while enhancing interoperability with US forces.
According to the department, the deal would also support Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a key defence partner.
The package includes the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, which converts unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions. The system can be used for missions including intercepting drones, potentially reducing the need to deploy more expensive missiles against relatively low-cost aerial targets.
The UAE and other US-allied Gulf states have faced repeated drone and missile attacks during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Separately, the State Department approved a $400 million deal with Kuwait for repair and return services for Patriot missile systems.
The department said the agreement would enhance Kuwait’s ability to defend its territory and that the country would be able to integrate the equipment and services into its armed forces.
