Pentagon officials finalized approximately $16 billion in equipment transfers to Middle Eastern allies Friday, including Israel’s $6.67 billion package and Saudi Arabia’s $9 billion air defense allocation. The announcements came late Friday evening as the Trump administration continues navigating complex regional dynamics, including ongoing ceasefire implementation in Gaza and growing concerns about potential military operations targeting Iran.
Israeli acquisitions span Apache helicopters with advanced targeting ($3.8 billion), tactical vehicles for mobility ($1.98 billion), armored vehicle upgrades ($740 million), and utility helicopters ($150 million). According to the State Department, none of these new sales would affect the military balance in the region, and all of them would enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.
The Apache attack helicopters will be equipped with rocket launchers and advanced targeting gear, providing Israeli forces with superior precision strike capabilities and enhanced situational awareness for operations ranging from border surveillance to counterterrorism missions. The 3,250 light tactical vehicles will revolutionize ground force mobility, enabling Israeli Defense Forces to rapidly position troops and equipment while extending communication lines across challenging terrain. The armored personnel carrier power pack upgrades will modernize platforms that have been operational since 2008, while the light utility helicopters will complement existing aerial assets.
Saudi procurement focuses on 730 Patriot missiles ($9 billion) for enhanced defensive capabilities supporting regional security architecture. The State Department indicated that the sale will support foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region, while significantly improving the integrated air and missile defense system protecting the area.
Legislative concerns center on procedural questions raised by Democratic representatives regarding approval timelines and congressional engagement. Representative Gregory Meeks, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accused the administration of rushing to announce the deals for Israel in a way that would disregard congressional oversight and years of standing practice, while also refusing to engage Congress on critical questions about the next steps in Gaza and broader U.S.-Israel policy.