US Approves $2 Billion Arms Sale to UAE

The US government said Thursday that it had approved a $2 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates.

The State Department approved the sale of 60 Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missiles and 100 Patriot Guidance Enhanced-Tactical (GEM-T) missiles to the UAE, according to a statement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees America’s foreign arms sales.

The UAE has fielded and operated Patriot missile batteries, which are capable of shooting down enemy missiles and aircraft, since 2009 and is one of several major US allies to use the system, CNN reported.

Congress was informed of the sale Wednesday, the announcement said, noting that the package will also include US government- and contractor-provided technical, engineering and logistics support services.

The UAE has fielded and operated Patriot missile batteries, which are capable of shooting down enemy missiles and aircraft, since 2009 and is one of several major US allies to use the system.

Congress was informed of the sale Wednesday, the announcement said, noting that the package will also include US government- and contractor-provided technical, engineering and logistics support services.

The two types of missiles are manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, respectively.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of an important ally which has been, and continues to be, a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the announcement said.