The Trump administration has approved a potential $660 million sale of AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles to Israel, reinforcing U.S. commitment to its key Middle Eastern ally.
The State Department confirmed the approval, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress about the proposed sale.
The deal includes 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, spanning multiple variants, along with associated support equipment, spare parts, software, technical documentation, and training services. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
The U.S. government emphasized that the sale aligns with America’s strategic interests in the region by bolstering Israel’s self-defense capabilities. The missiles will enhance the Israeli Air Force’s ability to counter current and future threats, defend critical infrastructure, and protect its population centers.
The deal will also improve interoperability between U.S. and Israeli forces, ensuring Israel remains a technologically advanced military partner. Pentagon officials confirmed that Israel will be able to integrate the missiles into its existing arsenal without difficulty.
According to the State Department, the sale will not alter the military balance in the region, nor will it adversely impact U.S. defense readiness. The principal contractor for the Hellfire missiles will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, based in Troy, Alabama.
At present, there is no known offset agreement tied to the deal, and the U.S. government has stated that no additional American personnel will be stationed in Israel as part of the contract. However, Technical Assistance Field Teams will provide support during training phases.
This approval comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Israel engaged in ongoing security challenges across multiple fronts. The sale underscores Washington’s long-standing policy of ensuring Israel maintains a qualitative military edge (QME) in the region, a principle that has guided U.S. arms sales to the country for decades.
The Trump administration’s decision follows a series of previous U.S. arms transfers to Israel, including fighter jets, air defense systems, and precision-guided munitions. The move is likely to draw scrutiny from regional actors, who have frequently voiced concerns over continued U.S. military aid to Israel.
While the transaction is still subject to congressional review, it is expected to proceed without major opposition, given bipartisan support for U.S.-Israel defense cooperation. The deal reaffirms the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and military modernization as it continues to navigate an increasingly complex security environment.