Trump Administration Approves $660 Million Hellfire Missile Sale to Israel

The Trump administration has approved a significant $660 million sale of AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles to Israel, reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to supporting its key Middle Eastern ally. The State Department confirmed the approval, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress about the proposed sale.

The deal includes 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles of various variants, along with essential support equipment, spare parts, software, technical documentation, and training services. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2028.

The U.S. government emphasized that the sale aligns with America’s strategic interests in the region, reinforcing Israel’s self-defense capabilities and enhancing the Israeli Air Force's ability to counter both current and future threats. It also aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and protect population centers within Israel.

Furthermore, the sale will bolster the interoperability between U.S. and Israeli forces, ensuring Israel continues to remain a technologically advanced military partner. Pentagon officials confirmed that integrating the missiles into Israel’s existing arsenal would not pose significant challenges.

The sale will not alter the military balance in the region, and it is assured that U.S. defense readiness will not be negatively impacted. Lockheed Martin Corporation will serve as the principal contractor for the Hellfire missiles.

This approval comes amidst heightened regional tensions, with Israel currently facing security challenges on multiple fronts. The deal underscores Washington’s long-standing policy of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME), a guiding principle for U.S. arms sales to Israel for decades.

While the transaction is still subject to congressional review, it is expected to proceed smoothly, given bipartisan support for U.S.-Israel defense cooperation.