WASHINGTON, September 22, 2011 -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Wednesday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of 107 MIDS/LVT LINK 16 Terminals and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $401 million.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 107 Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT) to be installed on the United Arab Emirates F-16 aircraft and ground command and control sites, engineering/integration services, aircraft modification and installation, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, repair and return support, personnel training, contractor engineering and technical support, interface with ground command and control centers and ground repeater sites, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $401 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 MIDS terminal will increase pilot operational effectiveness by at-a-glance portrayal of targets, threats, and friendly forces on an easy-to-understand relative position display. This proposed system will increase combat effectiveness while reducing the threat of friendly fire. The system will foster interoperability with the U.S. Air Force and other countries. The MIDS/LVT will provide allied forces greater situational awareness in any coalition operation. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing this additional capability into its Air Force.
The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
There are several manufacturers of the Link 16 MIDS-LVT. A prime contractor will be selected during the negotiating process. 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 and contractor representatives to the UAE. The number of U.S. Government and contractor representatives 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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