United Arab Emirates request US sale of guided bombs

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress, respectively, on 22 December and 28 December 2009 of two possible foreign military sales (FMS) to the United Arab Emirates of enhanced guided bomb units as well as of logistics support and training for 12 C-130J-30 transport aircraft.

The two deals would amount to a total estimated value of $409 million (approx. €286.23 million).

According to the DSCA, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 400 GBU-24(V) 11/B Enhanced PAVEWAY III, 400 GBU-24(V) 12/B Enhanced PAVEWAY III, 400 GBU-49(V) 3/B Enhanced PAVEWAY II, 400 GBU-50(V) 1/B Enhanced PAVEWAY II, 800 MK-84 2000 lbs Bombs, 400 MK-82 500 lbs Bombs, 400 BLU-109/B 2000 lbs Bombs. Also included are containers, bomb components, mission planning software, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $290 million (€203.02 million).

As the DSCA explains, this contract opportunity supports the prior sale of the Block 60 F-16s to the UAE. It further outlines, that the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of the UAE, reduce the dependence on U.S. forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the U.S. may undertake. The principal contractors are the Raytheon Corporation and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.

The second FMS notification, worth some $119 million (€83.21 million), is for the procurement of logistics support and training for 12 C-130J-30 transport aircraft which the UAE previously bought thorugh a direct commercial sale. Furthermore the deal would include the sale of 12 AN/AAR-47 missile approach warning systems, 12 AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispenser sets, 12 AN/ALR-56M radar warning receivers, communication equipment, navigation equipment, aircraft ferry and refueling support, as well as further related support services.

The DSCA explains in its official press release, that the proposed sale will provide the UAE the capability to transport equipment and troops in the region, and support U.S. and NATO airlift requirements in Afghanistan. The principal contractor for this FMS contract will be Lockheed Martin.

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