The United States has accelerated a new series of foreign military sales worth more than $16.5 billion in order to strengthen the defense capabilities of its Middle Eastern partners against rising missile and unmanned aerial vehicle threats. According to a report published by Breaking Defense on March 19, 2026, the core of the package consists of an approximately $8 billion Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar sale for Kuwait, alongside a separate $8.4 billion package for the United Arab Emirates that includes radar systems, counter-drone capabilities and air-to-air munitions. Reuters also confirmed that the total value of the emergency sales exceeded $16.5 billion and that the approvals were fast-tracked amid growing tensions with Iran.

The Kuwait package stands out because of its focus on the LTAMDS radar, a next-generation sensor designed to operate within the Patriot air and missile defense architecture. Breaking Defense reported that the US State Department invoked emergency authority for the sale, bypassing the standard congressional review timeline. These radars are expected to significantly improve Kuwait’s ability to detect and track airborne threats, especially low- and medium-altitude targets, while enhancing the reaction speed and coverage of the country’s existing air defense network. Other defense reporting also indicates that the package includes five LTAMDS radars together with associated support and integration elements.

For the United Arab Emirates, the approved package reflects a layered and more comprehensive air defense approach. Reports indicate that Abu Dhabi is set to receive a $2.1 billion FS-LIDS counter-drone system, 240 Coyote interceptors, a long-range discrimination radar compatible with THAAD operations, as well as additional weapons and support items for its F-16 fleet. These include GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, JDAM guidance kits and 400 AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Breaking Defense listed the UAE package as including a $4.5 billion long-range radar, a $2.1 billion counter-UAS system, a $1.2 billion missile package and a further $644 million for F-16 munitions and modernization elements. This structure shows that the UAE is seeking not only point defense but also early warning, high-altitude interception and fighter-supported engagement capabilities in a single integrated architecture.

The emergency approval of these sales comes against the backdrop of intensified missile and drone threats in the Gulf. Breaking Defense noted that Kuwait, the UAE and Jordan have recently faced attacks linked to Iran and its regional network. Additional reports stated that UAE air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 15 drones on March 19, while the region has faced hundreds of ballistic missile and drone threats since late February. In this context, Washington’s latest move appears aimed at reinforcing regional deterrence, improving partner readiness and replenishing air defense stocks under urgent operational conditions. Jordan’s smaller $70.5 million package, focused on maintenance, logistics and support for F-16, C-130 and F-5 aircraft, also fits into this broader regional defense posture.