Overview

• The U.S. State Department has approved a $1.4 billion arms sale to the UAE, including six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and $130 million in F-16 fighter jet components.
• The helicopters and equipment are intended for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations, aligning with U.S. foreign policy goals.
• Congress now has 30 days to review and potentially block the deal, as concerns grow among some lawmakers over regional human rights issues and Trump's business ties to Gulf investors.
• Boeing and Honeywell are confirmed as contractors for the Chinook helicopters, while no contractors are associated with the F-16 sustainment sale.
• The announcement coincides with President Trump's Middle East trip, where he is expected to discuss defense and investment agreements with Gulf states, including a pledged $1.4 trillion UAE investment in the U.S. over the next decade.