US approves $1bn UAE precision-guidance weapons sale

The US State Department notified Congress on 7 October that it had approved more than $2bn in proposed weapons-system sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Egypt, including an estimated $1.04bn package of precision-guidance kits for the UAE.¹

UAE package

According to the State Department, the UAE package authorises as many as 10,000 laser-guidance kits for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II. The department estimated the sale at $1.04bn, while a separate report described the package as a $1bn sale of up to 10,000 guidance sections for rockets.¹²

The reports say APKWS-II can be configured for aerial or ground targets and converts unguided rockets into precision weapons. The system can be used against drones, The Straits Times reported.¹²

The State Department said the proposed UAE sale would improve the country’s ability to address present and future threats and would increase interoperability with US forces. It also said the package would support US foreign-policy and national-security goals through support for a major defence partner.²

Other approved sales

Kuwait was approved to buy Patriot air-defence system repair and return services, along with parts, in a package estimated at $400m. The State Department said Kuwait would use the improved capability for homeland defence and would be able to incorporate the equipment and services into its armed forces.¹²

The State Department said five more US contractor personnel would be stationed in Kuwait for two years to assist with handling and documentation related to Patriot battery maintenance. The proposed UAE transaction would not lead to an additional permanent assignment of US personnel there.¹

Egypt’s approved package includes more than 2,000 Javelin anti-tank missiles, up to 200 launch units, support equipment and technical assistance. It is estimated at $832m; the State Department said it would not require US contractors or personnel to deploy to Egypt.¹

Regional context

The State Department said the three proposed sales would not alter the region’s basic military balance. It said they supported US foreign-policy and national-security objectives, describing Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE as contributors to political stability and economic growth.¹

The approvals came after reports that Iranian forces had launched drones and missiles at the UAE and other Gulf states allied with the US during the Iran war. Middle East Eye reported that Iranian drone and missile strikes also heavily targeted US bases and other Gulf facilities, with Kuwait among the worst-affected countries.¹²