US approves £1.1bn military equipment sale to UAE
Washington has authorised the sale of six Chinook helicopters and other military equipment to the United Arab Emirates, with an estimated value of £1.1 billion, the US administration announced on Monday.
The government's decision was revealed in connection with Donald Trump's tour of the Middle East, where he is likely to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, reported Reuters.
Helicopters for the United Arab Emirates
The trip, which Trump hopes will result in significant economic contracts, covers defence, aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence. It will also include geopolitical decisions related to Gaza and Iran.
The sale is expected to strengthen security for a significant regional ally. According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the United Arab Emirates plays a vital role as a strategic partner of the United States, contributing to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The State Department approved this decision, and the DSCA notified Congress on Monday, which has 30 days to raise any objections.
In addition to the military CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters from the American manufacturer Boeing, a £100 million deal was also approved for the maintenance of F-16 fighters.
