The US State Department announced it approved military sales to the UAE, including the purchase of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and related equipment – totaling an estimated $147.6 million.
The department added in a statement that the UAE requested the purchase of 1,500 APKWS-II guidance sections, specifically the single variant (air-to-air) type.
According to the State Department, the deal includes non-major defense equipment elements, such as LAU-131 air-to-air rocket launchers, Mk-152 high-explosive warheads, MK66 rocket motors, WTU-1/B training warheads, and inert MK66 rocket motors.
The package also covers support equipment, technical documentation, transportation services, and engineering, technical, training, and logistical services provided by the US Government and its contractors, along with other elements related to logistical support and the overall program.
The State Department noted that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided a detailed justification, citing an “emergency” that necessitates the immediate sale of these defense articles and services to the UAE.
He emphasized that the sale is in the national security interests of the US, a move that allows the administration to bypass Congressional review requirements.
According to Reuters, the sale will support the US foreign policy and national security objectives by “enhancing the security of a major defense partner.”
Abu Dhabi is seen as a “driving force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.”
The department clarified that the deal will bolster the UAE’s ability to counter current and future threats by developing a robust self-defense capability, maintaining operational readiness, and improving interoperability with the US forces.
It further noted that the UAE will face no difficulty integrating these systems and services into its armed forces.
The sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, the department assured.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
