The biggest request was by the UAE. Abu Dhabi has asked to purchase
three Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, upper tier missile
defense systems in a $7 billion deal.
"The proposed sale of the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and
interoperability of a potential coalition partner, reduce the dependence on
U.S. forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the U.S. may
undertake," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
Officials said THAAD would significantly bolster UAE defense against any
Iranian ballistic missile strike. The UAE also requested PAC-3 interceptors
and communications in a proposed $121 million sale. PAC-3 was meant to
defend against missiles in the lower atmosphere. Abu Dhabi has also sought
Avenger tactical air defense units in a $737 million deal.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia plans to order up to 12 AH-64D Apache
Longbow attack helicopters in a sale estimated at nearly $600 million. This
marked the second order of the Longbow by the Saudi air force.
Egypt requested combat helicopters and main battle tank shells in a sale
estimated at $565 million. The helicopters were identified as the Black
Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft.
Israel plans to order up to $330 million in a missile defense upgrade
and for munitions. Israel has requested the upgrade of the PAC-2 missile
defense system to PAC-3 configuration.
Jordan has sought U.S. assistance to extend the kingdom's border
security system. Under the request, the United States would sell $390
million in command and control systems to protect Jordan's border with Iraq.
Officials said the arms sales would also enhance the militaries of some
of the Gulf Cooperation Council states amid the threat from neighboring
Iran. Kuwait has requested an advanced air-to-air missile, the AIM-120C7,
meant to protect against any Iranian air strike.
"The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and
future threats of enemy air-to-air weapons," the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency said. "Kuwait will use the enhanced capability as a
deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense."