US officials stated on Monday that the State Department has authorized the sale of $1.4 billion worth of military aircraft and equipment to the United Arab Emirates, in advance of President Donald Trump’s visit this week.
The proposed sale to the Gulf state includes six CH-47F Chinook helicopters and other equipment valued at $1.32 billion, which would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States,” officials from the State Department Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in a statement.
“The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations,” they added.
“The United Arab Emirates is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
Trump is scheduled to visit the oil-rich nations of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE this week to discuss diplomatic needs in the Middle East, alongside significant business deals that could encompass sectors ranging from defense and aviation to energy and artificial intelligence.
In addition to the helicopters, the State Department has also approved the sale of $130 million worth of F-16 fighter jet components.
In a separate release, State Department officials indicated that the F-16 parts would enhance the UAE’s “ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defense requirements.”
Congress has a 30-day period to block the proposed sale.
