The United States has approved over $8bn in proposed Foreign Military Sales to Middle Eastern partners, citing emergency national security conditions under the Arms Export Control Act.
The approvals, issued on 1 May 2026, include advanced missile defence systems, command-and-control platforms, and precision strike weapons for Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Officials confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that “an emergency exists” requiring immediate authorisation, waiving standard congressional review procedures.
- Qatar: $4.01bn Patriot missile replenishment, including PAC-2 and PAC-3 systems
- Qatar & Israel: $992.4m APKWS precision weapon systems (10,000 units each)
- Kuwait: $2.5bn Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) upgrade
- UAE: previously cleared for APKWS procurement and broader defence packages
The State Department stated the sales aim to strengthen regional air and missile defence, improve interoperability with US forces, and support coalition operations. Officials also noted the transfers are not expected to alter the regional military balance.
Separate defence analysis has raised broader concerns about US munitions stockpiles following sustained operational use in the region.
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