FMS: United Arab Emirates Seeks 78 AVENGER and VMSLP Fire Units

Released on Tuesday, September 09, 2008

WASHINGTON, September 9, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of AVENGER and VMSLP fire units as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $737 million.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of 78 complete AVENGER fire units including Vehicle Mounted Stinger Launch Platform (VMSLP) fire units (72 Tactical and 6 floats); 780 STINGER-Reprogrammable Micro-Processor (RMP) Block 1 Anti-Aircraft missiles; 24 STINGER Block 1 Buy-to-Fly missiles; 78 Captive Flight Trainers, 16 AN/MPQ64-F1 SENTINEL Radars; 78 AN/VRC-92E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) radios; 78 Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) Radios; 20 Integrated Fire Control Stations, S250 Shelters on HMMWVs, communication and support equipment, system integration and checkout, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications, installation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $737 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The Buy-to-Fly missiles will be used by the U.S. Government for acceptance testing of missile lots as necessary. Any unexpended Buy-to-Fly missiles will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates. The proposed sale of these weapon systems will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a trusted coalition partner, reduce the dependence on U.S. forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the U.S. may undertake. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing these weapon systems into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be: Boeing Aerospace Company of Huntsville, Alabama Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona Thales Raytheon of Fullerton, California There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The United Arab Emirates does desire a government support presence in its country on an extended basis. An in-country field office comprised of three contractor Field Service Representatives and one U.S. Governmentpersonnel will be stationed in the United Arab Emirates for a period of five years.

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

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.