United Arab Emirates – Joint Direct Attack Munitions

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Media/Public Contact
Charles Taylor (703) 601-3859 / Paul Ebner (703) 601-3670
Transmittal No
10-56

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 4,900 JDAM kits and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $304 million.

The Government of the UAE has requested a possible sale of 4,900 JDAM kits which includes 304 GBU-54 Laser JDAM kits with 304 DSU-40 Laser Sensors, 3,000 GBU-38(V)1 JDAM kits, 1,000 GBU-31(V)1 JDAM kits, 600 GBU-31(V)3 JDAM kits, 3,300 BLU-111 500lb General Purpose Bombs, 1,000 BLU-117 2,000lb General Purpose Bombs, 600 BLU-109 2,000lb Hard Target Penetrator Bombs, and four BDU-50C inert bombs, fuzes, weapons integration, munitions trainers, personnel training and training equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $304 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 key partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The UAE Government continues vital host-nation support of U.S.
forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base, plays an important role in supporting U.S. regional interests, and has proven to be a valued partner in overseas operations.

The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s capability to meet current and future regional threats. The UAE Air Force and Air Defense (AF&AD) continue to operate the F-16 Block 60 aircraft. These additional munitions will ensure operational capability and will help the UAE AF&AD become one of the most capable air forces in the region, thereby serving U.S. interests by deterring regional aggression. These munitions will be used to complement the normal war-readiness reserve stockpile of munitions and provide munitions for routine training requirements. The UAE will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its air force.

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

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company in Chicago, Illinois, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Oklahoma. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the UAE. The number of U.S. Government and contractor representatives required to support the program will be determined in joint negotiations as the program proceeds through the development, production and equipment installation phases.

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

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