US approves $3 billion arms sales to UK, Denmark and Kuwait
Synopsis
Washington has cleared nearly $3 billion in arms in a single sweep — Kuwait gets a $1.98 billion Anduril-built counter-drone arsenal, Denmark picks up 200 JASSM-ER long-range missiles for its F-35s, and the UK adds Boeing infrared countermeasures to protect large RAF platforms. The package signals continued US commitment to allied air-defence modernisation across the Gulf and NATO.
Key Takeaways
The US State Department approved nearly $3 billion in possible foreign military sales to UK , Denmark , and Kuwait on 6 June .
Kuwait cleared the largest share — an estimated $1.98 billion — for counter-drone platforms including Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic systems; contractor: Anduril .
Denmark approved to buy 200 JASSM-ER missiles worth $842 million to bolster its F-35 fleet; contractor: Lockheed Martin .
The UK cleared to purchase 36 Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies and related infrared countermeasures for $160 million ; contractor: Boeing .
Congressional notification clears a key procedural step but does not mean final contracts have been signed.
The State Department said the sales will not alter regional military balances or affect US defence readiness.
The United States has cleared nearly $3 billion in possible foreign military sales to the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Kuwait, covering long-range strike missiles, aircraft protection systems, and counter-drone platforms, the State Department announced on 6 June. The approvals, issued through the US Foreign Military Sales process, mark one of the larger multi-nation arms clearance packages in recent months.
Kuwait's $1.98 Billion Counter-Drone Package
The largest tranche — valued at an estimated $1.98 billion — goes to Kuwait, which has been cleared to acquire counter-unmanned aerial systems platforms and associated equipment. 'The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats by providing electronic and kinetic defeat capabilities against unmanned aerial systems,' the State Department said.
The package includes Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic platforms, launch boxes, command-and-control systems, sentry towers, maritime sentry towers, electromagnetic warfare systems, tactical operations centres, generators, training, software development, and logistics support. The principal contractor is Anduril, based in Costa Mesa, California.
Denmark's $842 Million Long-Range Missile Deal
In a separate notification, the State Department approved a possible $842 million sale to Denmark comprising 200 AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and related equipment. The missiles are intended to strengthen the Royal Danish Air Force's (RDAF) F-35 fleet with long-range precision-strike capability.
'The proposed sale will improve Denmark's capability to meet current and future threats by providing the Royal Danish Air Force with the ability to conduct long-range precision strikes, strengthening RDAF F-35 aircraft capabilities,' the State Department noted. Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, will serve as the principal contractor.
UK Cleared for $160 Million Aircraft Protection Systems
The United Kingdom has been approved to purchase Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and related equipment at an estimated cost of $160 million. The package includes 36 Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies and 18 AN/AAQ-24(V)N LAIRCM system processor replacements, along with missile warning sensors, support equipment, software, spare parts, and logistics support.
According to the State Department, the sale will provide 'modern protection for large air mobility platforms, ensuring the operational readiness of the Royal Air Force.' The Boeing Company, based in Arlington, Virginia, is the designated principal contractor.
What the Approvals Mean
The notifications were issued by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs as part of the standard US Foreign Military Sales process. Congressional notification clears a critical procedural step but does not constitute a final signed contract. The State Department stated that none of the proposed sales would alter the basic military balance in their respective regions, nor would they adversely affect US defence readiness.
Notably, all three recipient nations are longstanding US defence partners — Kuwait a key Gulf security ally, and Denmark and the UK both NATO members currently expanding military capabilities amid heightened European security concerns. This comes amid broader Western efforts to reinforce allied air and missile defence architectures.
Point of View
And the contractors — Anduril, Lockheed Martin, Boeing — represent both legacy and new-generation US defence industry. Congressional notification is a formality; the political will is already on the record.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What arms sales has the US approved for the UK, Denmark and Kuwait?
The US State Department approved nearly $3 billion in possible foreign military sales across three separate notifications on 6 June. Kuwait was cleared for $1.98 billion in counter-drone systems, Denmark for $842 million worth of JASSM-ER long-range missiles, and the UK for $160 million in large aircraft infrared countermeasures.
What is the Kuwait counter-drone package and who is the contractor?
Kuwait's $1.98 billion package includes Roadrunner-Munition and Anvil-Kinetic counter-UAV platforms, command-and-control systems, sentry towers, electromagnetic warfare systems, and logistics support. The principal contractor is Anduril, based in Costa Mesa, California.
Why is Denmark buying JASSM-ER missiles?
Denmark is acquiring 200 AGM-158 JASSM-ER missiles, valued at $842 million, to enhance the long-range precision-strike capability of its Royal Danish Air Force F-35 fleet. Lockheed Martin is the designated contractor. The sale strengthens Denmark's NATO commitments amid heightened European security concerns.
Does Congressional notification mean the arms deals are finalised?
No. Congressional notification clears a key procedural step in the US Foreign Military Sales process but does not mean a final contract has been signed. Negotiations and formal agreements must still follow before any equipment is delivered.
Will these sales affect regional military balances?
The State Department stated that none of the proposed sales would alter the basic military balance in their respective regions and that they would have no adverse impact on US defence readiness. All three recipient nations are longstanding US security partners.
