As Stockpiles Fall, U.S. Sells More Missiles Worth $17 Billion to Gulf Nations
nytimes.com • • world
Key Points:
- The Trump administration approved $17 billion in sales of air defense interceptor missiles and related services to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, expanding earlier arms deals with these countries.
- The sales were authorized despite Pentagon concerns about declining U.S. missile stockpiles, which have been heavily used in the conflict with Iran.
- The State Department notified Congress of the sales but did not publicly announce them, unlike other emergency arms sales to Israel and Gulf nations valued at $8.6 billion announced the same day.
- These sales are part of a larger $25.7 billion authorization by the State Department last Friday, with the interceptor missile deals considered emergency actions to support U.S. partners in the Middle East.
- The State Department emphasized that these systems help defend U.S. allies, Americans overseas, and U.S. bases, signaling strong support for its partners amid regional tensions.
