U.S. Approves $1B Arms Deal With UAE, Targeting Iran Drone Threat

The United States has cleared a $1 billion purchase of up to 10,000 guidance sections for the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to the United Arab Emirates. The APKWS turns conventional unguided rockets into laser‑guided precision munitions, allowing forces to strike targets such as drones with far greater accuracy than a missile.

The decision follows a wave of Iranian drone and missile strikes that have repeatedly battered UAE ports, oil platforms, and military bases over the past two years. Experts say the new guidance sections will let UAE air and ground units transform cheap unguided rockets into low‑cost, high‑precision weapons, cutting reliance on expensive cruise missiles.

At the same time, the U.S. approved a $400 million sale to Kuwait for repair and return services for its Patriot missile batteries, a move that bolsters the Gulf state's air defence network against Iranian aerial threats.

The State Department said the UAE deal would "support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major defence partner" and would improve interoperability with U.S. forces.

UAE officials said the guidance sections would be integrated into its existing M‑70 rocket launchers over a six‑month period, with the first batch scheduled for delivery in September. The U.S. government will monitor the transfer under the Arms Export Control Act, while the UAE will need to secure final clearance from its own Ministry of Defence.

The U.S. State Department will convene a review meeting next month to discuss the logistics of the transfer and ensure compliance with export regulations.