State Department approves $785M FMS for munitions to UAE

The State Department has notified Congress of a possible $785 million foreign military sale to the United Arab Emirates for precision-guided munitions, sustainment and support to assist in the ongoing military operation to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice.

"The munitions will be sourced through procurement and the contractor determined during contract negotiations," the notice states. "This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping the UAE remain an active member of the Operation Inherent Resolve coalition working to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). These munitions will sustain the UAE's efforts and support a key partner that remains an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

The proposed deal would cover 7,700 GBU-10 guidance kits with 7,700 Mk-84/BLU-117 bombs; 5,940 GBU-12 guidance kits with 5,940 Mk-82/BLU-111 bombs; 500 GBU-31V1 guidance kits with 500 Mk-84/BLU-117 bombs; five hundred 500 GBU-31V3 guidance kits with five hundred 500 BLU-109 bombs; and 14,640 FMU-152 fuzes.

"The proposed sale provides the UAE additional precision-guided munitions to meet current and future threats," the notice states. "The UAE continues to provide host-nation support of vital U.S. forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base and plays a vital role in supporting U.S. regional interests."