US Approves $2.27 Billion in Arms Sales to UAE, Kuwait and Egypt as Iran War Strains Gulf Defences

The United States has approved three possible arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Egypt worth a combined estimated $2.27 billion, the State Department said on Monday, as Gulf allies continue to absorb Iranian drone and missile attacks more than seven months into the war.

The largest package, valued at an estimated $1.041 billion, would give the UAE up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II (APKWS-II) guidance sections in a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations, according to the department's congressional notification.

Cheaper answer to Iranian drones

APKWS kits turn unguided rockets into precision munitions. AFP noted that they can be used to shoot down drones, avoiding the use of costly missiles against comparatively cheap aircraft.

"The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates' capability to meet current and future threats by developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability and improving interoperability with U.S. forces," the State Department said in its statement.

It added that the sale "will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major defense partner," and that it "will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

Patriot support for Kuwait, Javelins for Egypt

Kuwait was cleared to buy Patriot missile "repair and return services" and related equipment at an estimated cost of $400 million. The Patriot system has played a key role in countering Iranian attacks in the region, AFP reported.

"Kuwait will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense" and "will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the department said.

Egypt was approved for a possible $832 million purchase of Javelin anti-tank missile systems. According to the notification, as reported by Türkiye Today, Cairo has requested up to 2,020 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, including 20 "fly-to-buy" missiles, and up to 200 Lightweight Command Launch Units.

Gulf states on the front line

The UAE, Kuwait and other US-allied Gulf states, many of which host American bases, have been hard hit during the conflict, with Tehran's forces repeatedly targeting them with drones and missiles, AFP reported. The war began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.

The approvals come as talks on ending the war appear to be at an impasse, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying on Sunday that "there is no military solution" to the conflict.

State Department approval and notification to Congress are required steps under the Foreign Military Sales programme, but they do not guarantee that final contracts will be signed. Terms can still be negotiated between the US government, the buyers and defence contractors.