U.S. Approves $1.4 Billion Weapons Sale to UAE Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Tour
The separate approval for F-16 fighter jet components aims to bolster the UAE’s capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, officials noted.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States has authorized a $1.4 billion arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just one day before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in the Gulf nation as part of a regional tour, according to AFP.
The State Department announced on Monday that the proposed sale includes six CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and associated equipment worth $1.32 billion. An additional $130 million deal covers components for the UAE’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets.
In a statement released by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. officials said the sale "supports the foreign policy and national security of the United States" and strengthens a key regional partner.
“The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations,” the statement added, describing the Gulf nation as "a vital U.S. partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."
The separate approval for F-16 fighter jet components aims to bolster the UAE’s capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, officials noted.
Although the State Department has greenlit the sale, Congress has 30 days to block the transaction, a standard procedure for major foreign military sales.
Strategic Timing Amid Trump’s Tour
The announcement comes on the eve of President Trump’s multi-country visit to the Middle East, which began early Tuesday with his arrival in Saudi Arabia. Trump is expected to visit Qatar and the UAE in the coming days, with a packed agenda focused on regional security issues — particularly Gaza and Iran — as well as discussions over large-scale business deals spanning defense, aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence.
The weapons deal serves to underscore Washington’s long-standing defense relationship with Abu Dhabi, a key partner in counterterrorism operations and regional military initiatives. The UAE has been a significant buyer of U.S. military equipment and maintains one of the most technologically advanced armed forces in the Arab world.
As Trump seeks to reaffirm alliances and explore strategic business opportunities during his four-day tour, the timing of the arms announcement reflects a continued U.S. push to support allies while cementing commercial and military partnerships in the region.
