US sends 10,000 laser-guided missiles to Israel
Photo: loading US weapons (Getty Images)
The United States has approved the sale of weapons to its strategic partners worth a total of $8.6 billion. The decision is intended to strengthen the security of allies without disrupting overall regional stability, according to Reuters.
The State Department has given the green light to supply Israel with a large shipment of weapons. This includes 10,000 laser-guided APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) rockets.
This weapon system enables precision strikes with minimal collateral damage. The contract is valued at $992.4 million, according to the US State Department. The package also includes related equipment and technical support.
At the same time, Washington has approved critical deals for other countries in the region:
- Qatar will receive IBCS battle management systems and logistics support worth $2.5 billion.
- The UAE has been approved to purchase 1,500 APKWS precision rocket kits worth $147.6 million.
- Kuwait and Qatar will also receive additional components for Patriot systems to strengthen air and missile defense.
US diplomats insist these contracts will not trigger a new wave of escalation. The agency's statements say that the agreements serve the national interests of the United States and will not change the balance of power in the region.
Particular attention has been paid to US stockpiles. The White House assures that transferring such amounts of equipment will not weaken the US military.
Who will manufacture the weapons for allies
The main beneficiaries of these agreements will be major US and international defense companies. The Pentagon has already identified the main contractors:
- BAE Systems — will be responsible for producing and supplying APKWS missiles for Israel, Qatar and the UAE.
- Lockheed Martin and RTX (formerly Raytheon) — will handle integrated battle command systems for Kuwait and Patriot missile supplies for Qatar.
These contracts are part of a long-term US strategy to build a multi-layered defense system in the Middle East.
All for the Middle East, and nothing for Europe?
In 2027, Ukraine will not receive military aid from the United States under the USAI program. This expenditure item was not included in the US budget.
The United States has already warned its European allies about delays in weapons deliveries and reduced stockpiles, which Washington faced during the war with Iran. The delays will affect ammunition for HIMARS, NASAMS and other systems actively supplied by the EU to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in just one day, the Pentagon delivered around seven thousand tons of weapons to Israel. Tel Aviv received thousands of air and ground munitions, military trucks, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, and more.
Trump also decided to withdraw 5,000 US soldiers from Germany. The Pentagon is preparing a large-scale reduction of the US military presence in Europe.
