The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its purchase of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $147.6 million.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested to buy one thousand five hundred (1,500) guidance sections, single variant (air-to-air), Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II. The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: LAU-131 A/A launchers; Mk-152 high explosive warheads; MK66 rocket motors; proximity fuzes; WTU-1/B practice warheads; inert MK66 rocket motors; support equipment; publications and technical documentation; transportation; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, training, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the UAE of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major defense partner. The United Arab Emirates is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ capability to meet current and future threats by developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability and improving interoperability with U.S. forces. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its Armed Forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, Inc., located in Nashua, New Hampshire, USA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the United Arab Emirates.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

Source: U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs; File Photo: Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) © BAE Systems