The United States has approved the sale of nearly $3 billion (£2.4bn) in munitions, bulldozers, and other weaponry to Israel, aiming to bolster the country’s defence capabilities against regional threats.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential arms sale, which is set to enhance Israel’s security and strengthen its defence infrastructure. This package is part of the US foreign military sales programme and includes bombs, demolition kits, and other military hardware, with the aim of ensuring Israel’s readiness to face current and future challenges.
The approval of the sale has been confirmed by the US State Secretary, who stated that the provision of the specified defence goods is crucial for both Israeli and US national security interests. As part of the process, the approval invokes a waiver to bypass legislative oversight in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act.
The first sale, valued at approximately $2.04 billion, will supply Israel with 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 general-purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I-2000 Penetrator warheads. The package will also include spare parts, consumables, accessories, and support services. General Dynamics, Ellwood National Forge Company, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant will serve as the prime contractors for this deal, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
The second arms package, valued at $675.7 million, includes munitions, guidance kits, and support equipment. This sale will also deliver more than 5,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kits, with Repkon and Boeing as the main contractors. Deliveries for this deal are expected to begin in 2028.
A third package, worth $295 million, will provide Israel with Caterpillar D9 Bulldozers and related equipment. Caterpillar will be the principal contractor, with deliveries anticipated to start in 2027.
This latest deal follows the approval of two other significant arms sales in February 2025, totalling approximately $7.41 billion (£6bn), which included munitions, guidance kits, and Hellfire air-to-ground missiles.
The approval of these arms packages is part of the US’s ongoing support for Israel’s security, reinforcing the nation’s defence posture in the face of ongoing regional tensions.
