FMS: United Arab Emirates Seeks SL-AMRAAM Missile Systems

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 Surfaced Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SL-AMRAAM) as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $445 million.

The Government of United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of 288 AIM-120C-7 Advanced MediumRange Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) Air Intercept Missiles, 2 Air Vehicle-Instrumented (AAVI), 144 LAU-128 Launchers, Surface Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SL-AMRAAM) software, missile warranty, KGV-68B COMSEC chips, training missiles, containers, support and test equipment, missiles components, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $445 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 proposed sale of the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a potential 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 this weapon system into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this weapon system will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be: Raytheon Corporation in Waltham, Massachusetts. The purchaser intends torequest offsets; agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of 10 U.S. Government personnel and 15 Contractor representatives to the United Arab Emirates for a period of three months. Also, various personnel will be required to travel to the United Arab Emirates in one-week intervals, for surveys and other programrequirements.

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.