A Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor is is shown in this undated photo. The United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Kuwait have made requests to purchase more than $15 billion in emergency weapons from the U.S., including an $8 billion purchase by Kuwait for up to eight LTAMDS systems. The sales are being fast-tracked, according to the State Department. (Darrell Ames/U.S. Army)
More than $15 billion in potential emergency weapons sales for three Middle East countries targeted by Iranian missiles are getting fast-tracked, the State Department said this week.
The possible sales, which range from high-powered air defense radars to missiles and counter-drone capabilities, will bypass the traditional congressional review process because of crisis circumstances, the department said in a statement Thursday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio “has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale” to the respective countries, the statement said.
The United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Kuwait were the countries seeking to bolster their arsenals.
Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign on Feb. 28, Iran has launched thousands of strikes directed at countries in the Gulf. The conflict has forced the U.S. and its partners to dig deep into munitions stockpiles to counter the incoming fire.
One big-ticket item was an $8 billion purchase by Kuwait for up to eight Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radars and related gear.
“This enhanced capability will protect Kuwait and local allied land forces and will significantly improve Kuwait’s contribution to Integrated Air Missile Defense,” the statement said.
Kuwait hosts U.S. forces at multiple bases.
The United Arab Emirates, which has come under heavy attack from Iranian missiles and drones, also is seeking more air defense capabilities with a request for a $4.5 billion long-range radar with Terminal High Altitude Area Defense integration and related equipment.
“This proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ capability to meet current and future threats in the region by expanding the defended area to 360 degrees which benefits the U.S. and its partners,” the statement said.
The statement did not indicate if the acquisitions were needed to replace systems that have been destroyed by Iranian attacks. Iran has made air defense radars one of the focal points of its targeting strategy.
The UAE also is purchasing F-16 munitions and upgrades for $644 million, air-to-air missiles for $1.22 billion and a counter-drone system for $2.1 billion.
Meanwhile, Jordan requested aircraft and munitions support for $70.5 million.
