The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) munitions, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 11 October 2024.
The proposed sales, which are worth an estimated USD 1.2 billion, have been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
The UAE has requested to buy two 259 GMLRS M31A1 unitary pods (1,554 missiles at six missiles per pod) and 203 ATACMS M57 unitary missiles. Also included are publications; training equipment; software development; and various aspects of engineering, training, technical, logistics and programme support.
“The proposed sale will improve the United Arab Emirates’ capability to meet current and future threats by modernising its armed forces,” the DSCA stated. “This sale will contribute to the United Arab Emirates’ military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other partners.”
The principal contractor for the sale will be Lockheed Martin out of its facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas.
