US authorizes extra $7 billion in UAE weapons sales

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US authorizes extra $7 billion in UAE weapons sales

March 20, 2026

WASHINGTON,— The Trump administration has approved roughly $7 billion in weapons for the United Arab Emirates, including sales not required to be publicly announced under U.S. arms export rules, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

The unreported deals are in addition to more than $16.5 billion in arms sales to three Middle East countries announced the same day.

The unannounced deals for the UAE include Patriot PAC-3 missiles valued at $5.6 billion and CH-47 Chinook helicopters worth about $1.32 billion, the Journal said, citing U.S. officials.

These sales were not disclosed publicly because they expand previously agreed arms contracts.

Separately, the U.S. State Department approved potential sales to three Middle East countries totaling more than $16.5 billion.

Statements said the UAE could receive missiles, drones, radar systems, and F-16 munitions and upgrades for a combined total exceeding $8.4 billion.

Kuwait was approved for lower-tier air and missile defense sensor radars estimated at $8 billion. Jordan was cleared for aircraft and munitions support costing about $70.5 million.

The sales come amid growing conflict with Iran, which has attacked energy infrastructure in response to Israeli strikes on its gas facilities.

The escalation, described as the largest in nearly three weeks of fighting, has pushed gas and oil prices higher.

The State Department said principal contractors for the deals will include RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Tensions in the Middle East sharply rose after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran’s regime on February 28, 2026.

Iran responded with hundreds of missile and drone attacks across the Arab Gulf region.

Targets included airports, seaports, hotels, residential neighborhoods, and oil facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to reports.

(With files from Reuters)