Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The U.S.-UAE defense partnership is taking a major step forward as the U.S. State Department approves over $1.4 billion in military sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just ahead of former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region.
The package includes:
- Six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and support systems ($1.32 billion)
- F-16 fighter jet parts and maintenance support ($130 million)
Strategic Objectives: Rescue, Relief, and Security
According to U.S. officials, the deal will strengthen the UAE’s capabilities in:
- Search and rescue
- Disaster relief
- Humanitarian missions
- Counterterrorism operations
The sale is framed as advancing both U.S. national security interests and broader foreign policy goals.
The U.S.-UAE defense partnership is seen as essential to maintaining political stability and combating threats across the Middle East.
Congressional Oversight Period Begins
Congress now has 30 days to review—and potentially block—the transaction. While rare, joint resolutions of disapproval have been used in the past to challenge foreign arms sales.
Still, most high-profile sales like this one are expected to move forward, especially with strong executive branch backing.
Timing Tied to Trump’s Middle East Trip
The deal lands just days before Donald Trump’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where he’s expected to address topics including Iran, Gaza, regional diplomacy, and defense cooperation.
It’s part of a broader effort to reinforce alliances and negotiate deals that align military support with U.S. economic and security goals.
Broader Relationship Beyond Weapons
This arms sale comes as the UAE also boosts investment in key U.S. industries—ranging from semiconductors and AI to energy and manufacturing.
Despite criticism over UAE’s military actions in Yemen, the U.S.-UAE defense partnership continues to be viewed as a cornerstone of U.S. strategy in the region.
The Takeaway
This $1.4 billion deal underscores the growing importance of the U.S.-UAE defense partnership, signaling deepening cooperation on both military and economic fronts—with Congress holding the final say.
