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U.S. Approves $16.5 Billion Arms Sales to Gulf Allies

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department approved arms sales totaling $16.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The United Arab Emirates would receive more than $8.4 billion in missiles, drones, radar systems, and F-16 munitions.
Kuwait may receive lower-tier air and missile defense radars for about $8 billion.
Jordan could obtain aircraft and munitions costing about $70.5 million, with RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin as contractors.

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Story summary

On March 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department approved arms sales totaling $16.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The United Arab Emirates would receive more than $8.4 billion in missiles, drones, radar systems, and F-16 munitions.
Kuwait may receive lower-tier air and missile defense radars for about $8 billion.
Jordan could obtain aircraft and munitions costing about $70.5 million, with RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin as contractors.