The U.S. State Department confirmed on January 30, 2026, that it has approved $15.67 billion in arms sales to Israel and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing strategic partnerships amid heightened Middle East instability linked to recent unrest in Iran. The deals, notified to Congress earlier this week, highlight Washington’s commitment to regional allies during a period of escalating security challenges.
Israel will receive $6.67 billion in military hardware, including 30 Apache attack helicopters with advanced targeting systems and 3,250 light tactical vehicles designed to enhance operational mobility. Analysts suggest these upgrades will significantly bolster Israel’s capacity to address asymmetric threats and maintain regional deterrence.
Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion package includes 730 Patriot missiles, strengthening its air defense capabilities as part of broader efforts to secure critical infrastructure. The sale underscores Riyadh’s role as a “major regional non-NATO ally” amid ongoing security coordination with Washington.
While the White House emphasized the sales’ defensive nature, critics warn they could escalate regional arms races. The approval comes as global energy markets monitor potential ripple effects from Iran-related instability, with business leaders assessing implications for supply chains and investment security across Asia and the Gulf.
