US Approves Major New Arms Sales: $15.67 Billion Authorization Strengthens Israel and Saudi Arabia Defense Capabilities

The Trump administration has finalized one of the largest arms sale packages to the Middle East in recent years, authorizing $15.67 billion in military equipment transfers to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The State Department announced Friday that Israel will receive $6.67 billion across four distinct procurement categories while Saudi Arabia secures $9 billion in advanced air defense systems, demonstrating unwavering American commitment to regional allies during a period of escalating geopolitical uncertainty.
Israel’s comprehensive military package addresses critical operational needs through strategic acquisitions. The Apache attack helicopter program represents the flagship investment at $3.8 billion for 30 advanced aircraft complete with rocket launching systems and cutting-edge targeting technology. These sophisticated rotorcraft will provide Israeli Defense Forces with enhanced precision strike capabilities, improved surveillance capacity, and superior operational flexibility for missions ranging from border defense to urban counterterrorism operations in contested environments.
Ground mobility modernization receives substantial attention through the $1.98 billion acquisition of 3,250 light tactical vehicles designed to revolutionize troop deployment and logistical operations. Israeli forces will utilize these platforms to extend communication networks, accelerate personnel movement across challenging terrain, and strengthen supply chain efficiency in both peacetime and conflict scenarios. The package also includes $740 million for power pack upgrades to armored personnel carriers operational since 2008, ensuring continued effectiveness of existing platforms, plus $150 million for light utility helicopters to expand aerial support capacity.
Saudi Arabia’s investment concentrates entirely on defensive infrastructure through 730 Patriot missiles and associated equipment worth $9 billion. The State Department characterized this enhancement as vital to American national security interests, noting that improved Saudi air defense capabilities will protect a major non-NATO ally that serves as a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region. The enhanced capability will safeguard land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and coalition partners while significantly improving the integrated missile defense architecture protecting the region.
Congressional oversight has become a flashpoint of controversy, with Democratic lawmakers challenging both the approval timeline and consultation procedures. Representative Gregory Meeks, the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s ranking Democrat, accused the administration of blatantly disregarding long-standing congressional prerogatives and rushing announcements without substantive legislative engagement on critical policy questions regarding Gaza reconstruction efforts and the broader framework governing American-Israeli relations in the post-conflict period.