In the eye of a growing international controversy is the Trump administration’s decision to expedite the delivery of thousands of bombs to Israel—bypassing Congress. The deal, valued at approximately $660 million, includes more than 27,000 MK-80-series bombs, according to a U.S. State Department announcement.
A Turkish Connection in Texas
What makes the sale especially notable—and politically sensitive—is that the bombs are manufactured at a facility in Garland, Texas, owned by Repkon USA, a U.S.-based subsidiary of the Turkish defense company Repkon. This detail emerged from official documents tied to the arms agreement and was reported by Israeli news outlet YnetNews.
Bypassing Congressional Oversight
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the conflict with Iran a ‘national emergency,’ enabling the administration to fast-track the sale under emergency authority—sidestepping the standard congressional review process required for major arms exports.
What’s in the Weapons Package?
The package includes:
- 12,000 BLU-110A/B bombs (approximately 500 kg each)
- 10,000 bombs weighing roughly 250 kg each
- 5,000 small-diameter bombs
- Technical support, logistics services, and related equipment
Part of the purchase is expected to be funded through Israel’s annual $3.8 billion U.S. military aid package.
Repkon Denies Direct Involvement
While Repkon USA is named as the primary contractor in State Department records, the parent company Repkon Group issued a statement distancing itself from the transaction. It described the coverage as part of a ‘coordinated narrative’ targeting the firm and emphasized it played no role in initiating or approving the transfer of U.S. munitions to Israel. Repkon also stated it conducted no direct commercial transaction related to this specific arms package.
Geopolitical Tensions Amplified
The involvement of a Turkish defense firm in supplying weapons to Israel highlights the region’s complex and often contradictory alliances. Though Turkey remains a NATO member, its relations with the U.S. have frayed in recent years—most notably after Ankara purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system, prompting its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program and triggering U.S. sanctions in 2020. Meanwhile, Turkey has carried out military operations in Syria against Kurdish forces backed by Washington—a further source of strain in bilateral ties.