Gulf states are rearming rapidly as Iran war reignites
Gulf states, which are already among the world’s biggest spenders on defense, have been rapidly rearming since March in a bid to deter future attacks.
This week, the United States approved a $2 billion order from Saudi Arabia for weapons guidance systems, launchers, warheads and other equipment, as well as a $484 million parts package for Kuwait’s fleet of C-17 military transport aircraft. Opportunities to add to at least 20 major defense acquisitions Deployments since March, including Qatar’s purchase of Patriot air defense systems, munitions and upgrades for the UAE’s F-16 fleet, and drone defense agreements between several Gulf countries and Ukraine, according to the Washington-based Gulf International Forum.
The arms race extends beyond imports. EDGE Group, the UAE’s largest defense group, Brazilian aviation company acquires AKAERThe company, which produces unmanned aerial vehicles and optical systems for aircraft, reflects a broader Gulf effort to grow its domestic defense industry.
