American defense equipment manufacturers have received State Department authorization to proceed with $15.67 billion in military sales to Middle Eastern partners, including $6.67 billion for Israel and $9 billion for Saudi Arabia. Friday’s announcement demonstrates the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional allies amid growing concerns about Iranian capabilities and intentions.
The Israeli procurement encompasses four distinct but interconnected military enhancement programs. Apache attack helicopters anchor the package with a $3.8 billion investment covering 30 aircraft equipped with advanced weaponry and precision targeting gear. This acquisition significantly upgrades Israel’s rotary-wing strike capability, providing enhanced firepower and operational flexibility for diverse mission requirements ranging from border defense to counterterrorism operations.
Mobility improvements receive comparable emphasis through the $1.98 billion purchase of 3,250 light tactical vehicles designed to revolutionize ground force deployment speed and logistical efficiency. Israeli Defense Forces will deploy these platforms to extend communication lines and improve rapid response capabilities across challenging terrain. Supplementary funding includes $740 million for armored vehicle modernization and $150 million for additional utility helicopters.
The Saudi Arabian transaction focuses exclusively on air defense through acquisition of 730 Patriot missiles and related systems. The State Department justified the $9 billion sale by emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s role as a major non-NATO ally and highlighting how enhanced defensive capabilities protect American interests by safeguarding a politically stable regional partner while strengthening collective missile defense architecture across the Gulf.
Congressional Democrats have raised objections to the approval timeline and consultation procedures. Representative Gregory Meeks has characterized the process as disregarding established oversight mechanisms, specifically criticizing the administration for bypassing congressional engagement on substantive policy discussions about Gaza reconstruction and the evolving American-Israeli relationship.
