U.S. Approves Multi-Billion Arms Sales to Allies Across Europe, Indo-Pacific and Middle East

The U.S. Department of State on Friday approved a series of Foreign Military Sales to allies in Europe, the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, covering advanced air defense, precision strike, anti-drone and maritime warfare systems. The packages, worth several billion dollars in total, reflect growing demand among U.S. partners to adapt to a security environment shaped by Russia’s war in Ukraine, China’s military expansion, and the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial threats.

The largest package went to Kuwait, with an estimated value of $1.98 billion for counter-unmanned aerial systems. The system includes kinetic and electronic defeat capabilities such as Roadrunner and Anvil interceptors, command-and-control networks, sensor towers and electronic warfare systems. The sale, led by Anduril as principal contractor, is designed to strengthen Kuwait’s ability to defend against drone threats and protect critical infrastructure.

In Europe, NATO allies continued to prioritize air defense and long-range deterrence amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader concerns over missile threats. The United Kingdom received approval for a $160 million upgrade to its Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems, intended to improve protection for military transport aircraft against modern infrared-guided missiles. Denmark was approved for an $842 million purchase of 200 JASSM-ER cruise missiles, significantly enhancing the Royal Danish Air Force’s long-range strike capability for its F-35 fleet. Italy also received approval for a $30.6 million package of surplus U.S. Marine Corps amphibious vehicles to sustain expeditionary operations.

In the Indo-Pacific, where the United States and its allies increasingly cite China’s military modernization and maritime pressure as the primary long-term security challenge, South Korea and New Zealand received additional capabilities. South Korea was cleared for a $106 million package of JDAM precision-guided bomb kits, improving interoperability with U.S. forces. New Zealand was approved for two separate deals: a $1.5 billion package of MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and a $69 million sale of MK 54 lightweight torpedoes, strengthening anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol capabilities.

The State Department said the sales support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening key allies and partners in regions critical to global stability. Officials added that the proposed transfers will not alter the basic military balance in any region and are not expected to affect U.S. defense readiness.

The approvals underscore a broader shift in allied procurement priorities: counter-drone and electronic warfare systems in the Middle East, long-range precision strike capabilities in Europe, and maritime and undersea warfare assets in the Indo-Pacific. Together, they reflect how modern deterrence is increasingly defined by drones, missiles and sensor networks rather than traditional platform-centric force structures.