US Approves $1.04 Billion Potential Weapons Sale to UAE

Washington: The United States has approved a potential $1.04 billion sale of advanced weapons and military equipment to the United Arab Emirates amid heightened security tensions in the Gulf.

The proposed package includes up to 10,000 guidance sections for the Precision Kill Weapon System II, according to details of the deal.

The system is designed to turn standard 70mm rockets into precision-guided weapons and can be used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The package also includes explosive warheads, rocket motors, proximity fuzes, training warheads, technical documentation, transportation, engineering support, training and logistics assistance.

The US State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen the UAE’s ability to respond to existing and future threats while enhancing interoperability with US forces.

A State Department spokesperson rejected suggestions that the deal would fundamentally alter the military balance in the region.

The proposed sale comes as Gulf states face heightened missile and drone threats amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Washington has also approved separate military sales to Egypt and Kuwait, taking the combined value of the three proposed deals to approximately $2.27 billion.