Washington, 06 October (H.S.): The United States has approved an arms deal worth approximately $1 billion with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the US Department of State, under the deal, the UAE will receive up to 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections for rockets.

The US Department of State said the proposed sale would strengthen the UAE’s ability to address its existing and future security challenges. It would also enhance the country’s self-defence capabilities and improve operational interoperability with US military forces.

The APKWS system generally converts unguided rockets into precision-guided weapons capable of striking targets with greater accuracy. It can also be used against targets such as drones. The system can reduce the need to deploy expensive missiles against relatively inexpensive aerial targets.

The US Department of State said the sale would advance US foreign-policy and national-security objectives by strengthening the security of a major defence partner such as the UAE.

$400 Million Deal Also Approved for Kuwait

The US Department of State has also approved a separate defence deal worth approximately $400 million for Kuwait. Under the agreement, Kuwait will receive services related to the repair and return-to-service of Patriot missiles.

The United States said Kuwait would use the capability to strengthen its national security and is capable of effectively integrating the equipment and services into its military structure. Patriot missile systems have played an important role in the region in countering Iranian attacks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar