The U.S. has approved a $1 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates to enhance the country's defense capabilities against Iranian attacks amid an ongoing war.
Foreign news agencies reported that on Monday, 5 Oct 2026 GMT+7, the U.S. Department of State approved a $1 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKW) units.
"This proposed sale agreement will enhance the UAE's ability to address current and future threats by developing and maintaining a robust and ready self-defense capability, as well as improving interoperability with the U.S. military," the statement said.
The State Department added that the agreement supports U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives by strengthening the defense capabilities of a major regional security partner.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKW) converts unguided rockets into highly precise guided munitions that can be used in various missions, including drone elimination, helping avoid the use of expensive missiles against less costly aerial targets.
This U.S. move follows repeated drone and missile attacks by Tehran's forces against the UAE and other U.S.-allied Gulf countries, which have been severely affected by the ongoing Iran war.
In addition to the UAE, the U.S. State Department also approved a $400 million package for Kuwait, another Arabian Gulf nation, covering "repair and return" services for Patriot missile systems that play a key role in countering Iranian attacks.
"Kuwait will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense," the U.S. State Department said in a statement, adding, "There will be no issues in integrating these parts and services into their armed forces."
/foreign news updates:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cna