U.S. Greenlights $7.4 Billion Military Deal With Israel: Key Weapons Deals Explained

The U.S. State Department has approved a massive $7.4 billion military deal with Israel, comprising two major arms sales aimed at bolstering Israel's defense systems against regional threats. The deal, announced on February 10, 2025, includes a range of munitions, guidance kits, fuzes, and Hellfire missiles, set to enhance Israel's military capabilities and interoperability with U.S. forces.

The first sale, valued at $6.75 billion, involves the provision of various munitions and support equipment, including over 2,100 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I), 2,800 MK 82 General Purpose bomb bodies, 13,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits, 3,475 JDAM guidance kits for different bomb bodies, and 17,475 FMU-152A/B fuzes. Additionally, non-MDE items such as bomb components, munitions support, and logistical services will be included. These weapons will significantly enhance Israel's ability to defend itself from both current and future threats, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.

The second approval, valued at $660 million, is for the sale of 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. These air-to-ground weapons are designed to engage and destroy a variety of targets, allowing Israel to enhance its aerial defense capabilities, particularly in safeguarding its borders and critical infrastructure. The missiles will be delivered in various configurations, depending on Israel's needs, and will be supported by U.S. engineering, training, and technical assistance services. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2028.

Both sales are designed to ensure that Israel can maintain a high level of preparedness in the face of evolving regional threats. The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to Israel's security, emphasizing that the proposed sales are in line with U.S. national interests and will not affect the overall military balance in the region. These deals will also enhance interoperability between Israeli forces and U.S. military operations, further strengthening their long-standing defense cooperation.

The U.S. defense industry stands to gain from these arms sales, with key suppliers such as Boeing, ATK Tactical Systems, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, and Lockheed Martin Corporation involved in the transactions. These sales contribute to the U.S. economy by supporting jobs and economic growth within the defense industry.

The strategic motivations behind the U.S. decision to approve these arms sales align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy objectives, including strengthening Israel's defense capabilities and regional stability, enhancing interoperability between Israeli forces and U.S. military operations, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israel's security, supporting the U.S. defense industry, and addressing regional threats to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

In conclusion, the U.S. greenlighting of a $7.4 billion military deal with Israel demonstrates a commitment to bolstering Israel's defense capabilities and enhancing regional security. The key weapons deals, including munitions, guidance kits, fuzes, and Hellfire missiles, will significantly enhance Israel's military prowess and interoperability with U.S. forces, contributing to a more stable and secure Middle East.