US approves military sales of over $8.6 billion to Middle East allies
The U.S. State Department has approved over $8.6 billion in military sales to Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The sales include missile defense systems, precision weapons, and battle command systems aimed at bolstering regional defense capabilities. The move comes amid ongoing tensions with Iran and follows a fragile ceasefire in the region.
- ▪The U.S. approved $4.01 billion in Patriot air and missile defense replenishment services for Qatar.
- ▪Qatar, Israel, and the UAE will receive Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) totaling over $1.1 billion in combined sales.
- ▪Kuwait will receive an integrated battle command system valued at $2.5 billion.
- ▪BAE Systems is the principal contractor for the APKWS sales to Qatar, Israel, and the UAE.
- ▪RTX, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are the principal contractors for the Kuwait and Qatar defense system sales.
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US approves military sales of over $8.6 billion to Middle East alliesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUnited States Department of State logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationPublished May 02, 2026, 06:58 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 06:58 AMWASHINGTON, May 1 - The U.S. State Department said on Friday it was approving military sales totaling over $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern allies Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.The announcements came as the U.S.
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