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The United Arab Emirates has requested to buy six CH-47F Block II Chinook transport helicopters and F-16 fighter jet components under two possible US foreign military sales.
The UAE would acquire the Chinook helicopters with air-to-air refuel probe capability and extended range fuel tanks under a possible US$1.32 billion sale approved by the US State Department.
The sale includes 16 T-55-GA-714A engines, 14 embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation system devices with M-Code, 8 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 20 AN/ARC-231A communications security radios, Common Missile Warning System classified software, AN/APR-39A radar warning receivers, mission equipment, hardware and services, spare and repair parts, elements of logistics and program support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner. The United Arab Emirates is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement.
“The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ capability to meet current and future threats by extending its range of flight operations.
“The UAE will use these assets in search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support and counter-terrorism operations. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“Implementation of this sale will require an estimated two US Government and eight contractor representatives to travel to the UAE for up to 60 months for equipment de-processing, fielding, system checkout, training and technical logistics support.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
The principal contractors are expected to be Boeing Helicopter Aircraft Company and Honeywell Engine Company.
More than US$130 million worth of F-16 sustainment and related equipment will be acquired by the UAE under a second foreign military sale from the US.
The possible sale includes components, spares and accessories as well as common munitions built-in-test reprogramming equipment, munitions support equipment, night vision device support and spare equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major defence partner. The UAE is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the DSCA said.
“The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defence requirements. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of additional US government or contractor representatives to the UAE. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
