The United States Department of State has approved a series of Foreign Military Sales to Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan, covering air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, missile defense radars, and counter-drone systems.
The approvals come amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, with Washington moving to reinforce partner capabilities in air defense, precision strike, and counter-unmanned systems.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the largest portion of the package includes a proposed sale to the United Arab Emirates of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or AMRAAMs, and related equipment valued at approximately $1.22 billion. The UAE has requested to purchase four hundred AIM-120C-7 or AIM-120C-8 missiles, along with eight AIM-120C-8 guidance sections and associated support equipment.
The State Department said in a statement that it “has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.22 billion.”
In a separate notification, Washington approved a $644 million package for F-16 munitions and upgrades for the UAE. The requested equipment includes 1,500 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, 900 KMU-556 Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kits, and 300 KMU-557 JDAM guidance sets, along with training rounds, fuze systems, and targeting components.
The State Department also approved a $4.5 billion sale of a Long-Range Discrimination Radar integrated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. The UAE has requested one radar system, along with Sentinel A4 uplinkers and THAAD fire control and communications stations.
According to the State Department, it “has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of Long-Range Discrimination Radar with Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Integration and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.5 billion.”
The package further includes a $2.10 billion sale to the UAE of the Fixed Site-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System. The request covers ten FS-LIDS systems, including Coyote Block 2 interceptors, Ku-band radars, electro-optical sensors, and command-and-control components designed to counter drone threats.
Beyond the UAE, the State Department approved an $8 billion sale to Kuwait for Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor radars. Kuwait has requested up to eight LTAMDS radar systems, along with supporting power systems, transport vehicles, and cryptographic equipment.
In addition, Jordan received approval for a $70.5 million package covering aircraft and munitions support, including maintenance, spare parts, and logistics services tied to an existing Foreign Military Sales case.
The Foreign Military Sales process requires congressional notification, which the State Department confirmed has been completed for each proposed transaction.
AMRAAM missiles are radar-guided air-to-air weapons used by fighter aircraft for beyond-visual-range engagements. JDAM kits convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions using GPS guidance, while Small Diameter Bombs provide extended range and reduced collateral effects. Systems such as THAAD-integrated radars and LTAMDS are designed to detect and track ballistic and cruise missile threats, supporting layered air and missile defense architectures.
The FS-LIDS system is a counter-unmanned aircraft solution designed to detect, track, and intercept small drones. It integrates sensors, command systems, and interceptor munitions such as the Coyote Block 2 to address low-altitude aerial threats.
The approvals reflect a broader pattern of U.S. security cooperation with Gulf partners focused on air defense, missile defense, and precision strike capabilities. These systems are intended to operate within integrated networks, including Link 16 data sharing and coordinated command-and-control structures.
Background to the current approvals includes ongoing U.S. efforts to maintain interoperability with regional partners and ensure access to advanced defense technologies. Gulf countries have continued to invest in air and missile defense systems amid evolving regional security challenges.
© 2026, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
