The United States has notified Congress of over $16.5 billion in potential military equipment sales to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan to enhance air defenses in the Middle East. These packages, detailed by the U.S. Department of State, include advanced radar systems, air defense sensors, counter-drone technology, and aircraft munitions.

The State Department indicated that the secretary of state determined an emergency situation justifies these immediate sales, allowing the administration to bypass the usual congressional review under the Arms Export Control Act.

Key components of the sales include a $4.5 billion long-range radar for the UAE, integrating with its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD); a $2.1 billion fixed-site anti-drone system; $1.22 billion in air-to-air missiles; and $644 million for F-16 munitions and upgrades.

Kuwait would receive $8 billion worth of lower-tier air and missile defense radars, focused on defending against shorter-range threats. Jordan’s $70.5 million package centers on aircraft repairs and parts to maintain its current fleet.

The Pentagon is requesting an additional $200 billion for the Iran war, a proposal that requires congressional approval and is likely to face scrutiny.

The requested funding would increase the Defense Department’s budget, which is already over $800 billion for the current fiscal year. This follows a previous allocation of $150 billion from last year’s tax cuts, which focused on specific projects and upgrades.

Congress has not officially authorized the Iran war and shows increasing concern over the military operation’s strategy. While the president’s Republican Party controls Congress, conservative lawmakers show limited interest in increased military spending. Many Democrats are likely to oppose the request and seek further clarification on military strategies and goals.