US Greenlights $1.4 Billion Arms Deal with UAE, Includes Chinook Helicopters and F-16 Sustainment

US Approves $1.4 Billion Military Sale to UAE, Strengthening Strategic Partnership

Washington D.C.:
As US President Donald Trump embarks on a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, the US State Department has authorized a significant arms sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) worth $1.4 billion. The deal, announced on Monday, includes the sale of CH-47F Chinook helicopters and F-16 sustainment components, along with related equipment, as confirmed by the Pentagon.

Key Aspects of the Deal:

• The proposed sale includes six Chinook helicopters valued at $1.32 billion, along with other supporting equipment.
• The F-16 components will enhance the UAE’s air defense capabilities, enabling the country to maintain its sovereignty and meet national defense requirements.
• US officials stated that the UAE would utilize these assets for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.

The UAE is considered a key US ally in the Middle East, and this sale is designed to support both the country’s defense objectives and broader geopolitical stability in the region.

Contractors and Legislative Process:

• Boeing and Honeywell Engine Company are the primary contractors for the Chinook helicopters, while no contractors are associated with the F-16 sustainment package.
• The US Congress has a 30-day window to object to the proposed sale.

This arms sale is seen as a crucial step in bolstering the military partnership between the United States and the UAE, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics.

As President Trump continues his Middle Eastern tour, his visit to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is expected to focus on deepening defense and business relations, alongside diplomatic discussions on Gaza, Iran, and energy cooperation.