US approves major arms sales to UAE, Jordan, Kuwait amid Iran war

2026-03-20 - 07:10

The US State Department has greenlit three significant military sales to Gulf and regional allies, approving advanced weaponry packages for the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan as Washington's conflict with Iran intensifies. The combined value of the deals exceeds $16 billion, representing a substantial reinforcement of America's partner nations in the region. The largest of the approved packages is designated for the UAE, which will receive F-16 munitions and technical upgrades, advanced radar systems, and AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). The total estimated cost for the Emirati package stands at $8.4 billion. The sale is designed to enhance the UAE's ability to defend its airspace and maintain interoperability with US forces operating in the region. Kuwait and Jordan Deals Bolster Regional Air Defense Kuwait is set to acquire Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radars under a separate agreement valued at approximately $8 billion. These systems are intended to strengthen Kuwait's capability to detect and counter aerial threats, a critical asset given the country's proximity to the ongoing conflict. A smaller but strategically significant package was approved for Jordan, which will receive aircraft and munitions support along with related equipment. The Jordanian deal is estimated at $70.5 million, reflecting Amman's role as a key US partner in the eastern Mediterranean and its shared border with Israel. Certification Sent to Congress The State Department confirmed that it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the potential sales on Thursday. While congressional review could still influence the finalization of these agreements, the approvals signal Washington's intent to rapidly equip its regional partners amid escalating military operations against Iran. The arms packages come as the US and Israel continue their joint military campaign against Tehran, with regional allies increasingly drawn into the expanding conflict. Analysts view the sales as part of a broader effort to solidify a united front against Iran while ensuring that partner nations maintain defensive capabilities against potential retaliatory strikes.