Pompeo Announces a $23.37 Billion Arms Sale to the UAE

The Trump Administration has approved of an 'advanced defence capabilities' deal for the United Arab Emirates worth $23.37 billion. On 10 November, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo stated that he notified the congress of the deal.

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The announced deal includes 50 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems, and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

"I directed the Department to formally notify Congress of our intent to authorize the UAE’s proposed purchase of several advanced capabilities that are worth $23.37 billion, for up to 50 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, valued at $10.4 billion; up to 18 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Systems, valued at $2.97 billion; and a package of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, valued at $10 billion," said the U.S, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

In his statement, Pompoe said that these capabilities are to aid the UAE "to deter and defend itself against heightened threats from Iran."

This deal comes after the UAE normalised its relations with Israel in a historic agreement signed on 15 September 2020.

"The proposed sale will make the UAE even more capable and interoperable with U.S. partners in a manner fully consistent with America’s longstanding commitment to ensuring Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge," added Pompeo in his statement.

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