The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Guided Bomb Units (GBU-31s and GBU-12s) and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of 500 GBU-31B/B(V)1 (MK-84/BLU-117) bombs, 500 GBU-31B/B(V)3 (BLU-109) bombs, and 600 GBU-12 (MK-82/BLU-111) bombs, containers, fuzes, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor logistics and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $130 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale will provide the UAE with additional precision guided munitions capability to meet the current threat represented by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and Houthi aggression in Yemen. The UAE continues to provide host-nation support of vital U.S. forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base and plays a vital role in supporting U.S. regional interests. The UAE has proven to be a valued partner and an active participant in coalition operations. The UAE will have no difficulty absorbing these additional munitions into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of these munitions will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company in Chicago, Illinois; and Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this sale will not require any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives’ in the UAE. However, periodic travel will be required on a temporary basis for program reviews and technical support.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
