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Gulf states load up on weapons of war
 Leaders of Sunni Arab states are embarking on a military spending spree in an attempt to contain the growing threat from Iran. Alarmed by the progress of Iran's nuclear programme and the prospect of a military clash between its Shia regime and the United States, Gulf leaders intend to use billions of dollars of oil revenue to purchase a huge array of military hardware.
Many of the deals will be finalised at a massive arms fair due to open in the United Arab Emirates next Sunday.
| "The Gulf states have a shopping list of arms worth more than $60 billion if all the deals under discussion go through." |
Saudi Arabia alone has a shopping list that runs to almost $50 billion, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, attack helicopters and more than 300 new tanks. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has earmarked $2 billion for a rapid reaction brigade - possibly to take a lead role in a regional protection force. Another $6 billion will go on missile defence batteries, airborne early warning systems and aircraft. Both countries are members of the Gulf Co-operation Council, established in 1984 to provide security against the threat posed by Iran. Other members, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, are expected to spend heavily in the coming months.
Posted by: Steve White 2007-02-12 |
