US approves $1.4 billion arms sales to UAE as Trump begins Middle East tour

The U.S. State Department has approved arms sales worth approximately $1.4 billion to the United Arab Emirates, coinciding with President Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

The UAE has requested to purchase six CH-47F Chinook helicopters, with the deal estimated at $1.32 billion, alongside a separate $130 million package for parts and maintenance of F-16 fighter jets, Caliber.Az reports per U.S. media. 

The State Department said it had notified Congress of the proposed sales, stating they would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner.”

According to the department, the helicopters, built by Boeing Co. and powered by engines from Honeywell International Inc., would strengthen the UAE’s capabilities in “search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism operations.”

Note that, Trump departed Washington on May 12 for his multi-nation tour of the Gulf. Over the weekend, U.S. and Qatari officials confirmed discussions about Qatar potentially offering a Boeing 747-8 aircraft for future use as Air Force One.

Earlier, the president commented on the arrangement, saying he would not use the plane after his term ends.

By Aghakazim Guliyev