UAE $1bn rocket-guidance sale approved by US

The United States announced approval on Monday of a $1 billion sale to the United Arab Emirates of up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections for rockets.

The US State Department said the proposed sale would improve the UAE's ability to meet current and future threats, maintain self-defence capability and improve interoperability with US forces.

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System converts unguided rockets into precision munitions. It can be used for purposes including shooting down drones, avoiding the use of more expensive missiles against cheaper aircraft.

The State Department also announced approval of a $400 million sale to Kuwait for “repair and return services” for Patriot missiles. It said Kuwait would use the capability to strengthen homeland defence.

The UAE and other US-allied Gulf countries have been hit by drones and missiles during the Iran war, and Patriot missiles have played a role in countering Iranian attacks in the region.