US sales to the GCC

Since the 13-14 May US-Gulf Co-operation Council summit, at which the United States promised to fast-track arms transfers to its Gulf allies (GSN 993/3), the US has approved at least two possible military sales to the region. On 29 May, the State Department approved the sale to the UAE of guided bomb units (GBUs) and associated parts and logistical support worth around $130m. The UAE has requested 1600 GBUs of three different specifications – 500 GBU-31B/B(V)1 (MK-84/BLU-117) bombs, 500 GBU-31B/B(V)3 (BLU-109) bombs and 600 GBU-12 (MK-82/BLU-111) bombs – along with containers, fuses, spare parts, technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment.