US fast-tracks $16.4bn arms sales to Gulf allies amid Iran conflict

The United States has approved military sales worth $16.46 billion to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as both nations grapple with the fallout from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The announcement, made on Thursday, follows a wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran in response to a recent US-Israeli air campaign. The strikes have caused casualties and damage across parts of the Gulf, forcing affected countries to deploy extensive military resources to defend against the assaults.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency powers to approve the sales, bypassing the usual requirement for Congressional approval. He stated that an urgent situation necessitated the immediate transfer of the defence equipment.

According to the US State Department, the largest portion of the package—valued at $8 billion—covers lower-tier air and missile defence sensor radars designed to detect and track high-speed threats and feed data into missile defence systems.

Another major component includes a $4.5 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates for a long-range discrimination radar system capable of tracking ballistic missile threats, along with associated equipment.

In addition, the UAE has been cleared to purchase counter-drone systems worth $2.1 billion, advanced air-to-air missiles valued at $1.22 billion, and F-16 fighter jet munitions and upgrades totaling $644 million.

The arms sales are seen as part of Washington’s broader effort to bolster the defensive capabilities of its Gulf allies amid rising regional tensions.