The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to United Arab Emirates (UAE), involving Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) munitions, along with related logistics and programme support.  

The deal is valued at an estimated $1.2bn (Dh4.4bn). It will help the UAE modernise its military capabilities and enhance interoperability with the US and other partners. 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress of the possible sale, which includes 259 GMLRS M31A1 unitary pods and 203 ATACMS M57 unitary missiles.  

ATACMS is a surface-to-surface artillery system designed to engage targets at distances greater. The system can be launched from the HIMARS and MLRS M270 platforms. 

Guided MLRS Unitary round offers precision strike for point targets. It integrates a 200lb unitary warhead and has a range of more than 70km. 

The package also encompasses training, software development, and technical support services. 

The sale is aligned with US foreign policy and national security objectives. 

 This is expected to contribute to political stability and economic progress within the region.  

The UAE's armed forces are anticipated to easily integrate these munitions without disrupting the existing military balance. 

Lockheed Martin has been named as the principal contractor for this proposed sale, which does not include any known offset agreements.  

The implementation will involve a temporary deployment of four US Government and four contractor representatives to the UAE for up to ten days for training and support. 

The final value of the sale may be lower than the estimated $1.2bn, depending on the UAE's final requirements and the conclusion of sales agreements.  

The State Department has assured that this sale will not negatively impact US defence readiness. 

The announcement comes after the US Department of Defense initiated the consolidation of resources within the Foreign Military Sales framework, into a new entity called the Defense Security Cooperation Service.