# US military sales to Middle Eastern nations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-sales-to-middle-eastern-nations
> Updated: 2026-09-05T01:57:57.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 3.

The United States Department of State has authorized several significant military sales to Middle Eastern nations to bolster regional security and improve interoperability with U.S. forces.

The total value of these potential sales exceeds $6.7 billion, with Saudi Arabia serving as the primary recipient through two major packages. The first package, involving Boeing as the primary contractor, consists of approximately $5 billion in Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) systems, including thousands of precision-guidance kits and bombs. The second package, valued at $750 million, includes 60 AGT-1500 gas turbine engines for M1A2S Abrams tanks, with Honeywell as the main contractor. Washington stated these sales aim to strengthen the defense capabilities of a major non-NATO ally amidst regional instability.

Iraq is slated for potential deals to enhance its aerial capabilities. While previous estimates suggested an $800 million package for Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters, recent updates specify a potential $150 million sale of Bell 412EPX helicopters. Additionally, Oman is set to receive a $188 million package for maintenance and support services for its F-16 fighter jet fleet.

These transactions remain subject to approval by the U.S. Congress. The State Department indicated that the sales are intended to bolster the defense capabilities of these nations against current and future regional threats ‘without altering the existing military balance in the region.’

## Claims

- Saudi Arabia's package includes $5 billion in JDAM-ER munitions and $750 million in AGT-1500 tank engines. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The arms sales aim to improve the security of a Major non-NATO Ally. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Boeing is the primary contractor for the Saudi munitions deal, while Honeywell is the contractor for the engines. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The US State Department stated the sales will not negatively impact US defense readiness or change the regional military balance. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The proposed arms sales to Saudi Arabia require approval from the US Congress. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The US State Department approved potential military sales to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman totaling over $6.7 billion. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Iraq's potential $800 million deal includes Bell 412EPX and Bell 407M helicopters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Oman's $188 million deal involves maintenance and support for its F-16 fighter jet fleet. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: United States approves Bell helicopter and arms sale to Iraq

The United States has approved a military sale to Iraq involving Bell helicopters and advanced weaponry, valued at up to $800 million, to modernize Iraq’s aerial defense and security capabilities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-bell-helicopter-and-arms-sale-to-iraq

### 2026-09-04: US approves $6.7 billion in potential military sales to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman

The US State Department has approved over $6.7 billion in potential military sales to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman to enhance regional defense and interoperability.

42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-5-billion-arms-sale-to-saudi-arabia

### 2026-08-31: United States approves $800 million helicopter sale to Iraq

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $800 million military sale to Iraq, including Bell helicopters and advanced targeting systems to enhance reconnaissance and strike capabilities.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-800-million-helicopter-sale-to-iraq

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Cite as: US military sales to Middle Eastern nations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-military-sales-to-middle-eastern-nations