US Approves Nearly $2 Billion Arms Sale to Kuwait Amid Gulf Security Tensions

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Washington DC: The United States has approved a $1.98 billion arms package for Kuwait, focusing on counter-drone systems, at a time when Gulf security has been under strain following recent regional attacks and ongoing tensions with Iran.

The US State Department said the sale will include advanced counter-unmanned aerial technology from defence firm Anduril. Officials described the deal as part of efforts to strengthen a key non-NATO ally that plays an important role in maintaining stability in the Middle East.

Washington said the proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security interests by improving Kuwait’s ability to defend itself against aerial threats, particularly drones.

The approval comes shortly after Kuwait reported a drone strike on its international airport that killed one person and injured more than 60 others. Kuwaiti officials blamed Iran for the attack and condemned what they called Iranian aggression.

Iran has denied responsibility, saying the incident was caused by a malfunction involving US-made Patriot air defence systems.

The latest escalation has taken place despite a ceasefire agreement reached in early April intended to pause wider hostilities that followed earlier US-Israeli strikes on Iran. While the truce has largely held, both sides have continued to accuse each other of sporadic attacks.

The Gulf region has remained on high alert, with countries strengthening air defence systems and monitoring drone activity closely amid fears of further escalation.

Pic Credit: AFP