The U.S. State Department has greenlit the sale of $1.4 billion worth of military aircraft and defense equipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officials announced Monday, just days before President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Gulf region.
The proposed arms deal includes the sale of six CH-47F Chinook helicopters, valued at $1.32 billion, alongside associated equipment and services. According to a statement from the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the transaction aims to bolster the UAE’s capabilities in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism operations.
“The United Arab Emirates is a critical U.S. partner in promoting political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the department noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of the deal in supporting both American foreign policy and national security objectives.
In addition to the helicopter sale, U.S. officials have authorized the transfer of $130 million in F-16 fighter jet components. The enhancements are designed to strengthen the UAE’s air defense infrastructure, improving its ability to safeguard its sovereignty and address evolving security threats.
Trump is set to visit several oil-rich Gulf states this week — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — where discussions are expected to center on regional security challenges in Gaza and Iran, alongside multibillion-dollar business agreements spanning defense, aviation, energy, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
As per U.S. law, Congress now has a 30-day window to review and, if necessary, block the proposed arms sales.
