Twin FMS deals support ballistic missile defence in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have each requested FMS deals to support their respective missile defence systems such as THAAD (pictured). (Photo: US Army/Capt Adan Cazarez)
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are requesting missile defence equipment from the US under the FMS programme.
The State Department has approved two potential FMS deals to help US allies in the Middle East enhance and maintain their ballistic missile defence systems, on the same day that it gave the green light to a $4.21 billion FMS package for Jordan.
Saudi Arabia is requesting 31 units of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 2 (BU2) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.7 million, to operate with the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system.
Data Link Solutions manufactures MIDS-LVT BU2 but a prime contractor for the Saudi FMS will only be confirmed once a Letter of Acceptance is signed, the State Department noted on 3 February.
‘The proposed sale will provide the Saudi armed forces with the equipment, training, and follow-on support necessary to ‘protect Saudi Arabia, and the region, from the destabilising effects of terrorism, countering Iranian influence, and other threats’, the State Department noted on 3 February.
The BU2 terminals would be added to a previous $3 million FMS case for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 1 (BU1) terminals. Previously provided BU1 terminals for Saudi Arabia were installed on Patriot batteries.
Similarly, the State Department has also approved an extra $35 million on top of a previous $30 million FMS deal to fund common spares and repair parts for UAE-operated MIM-23 Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) SAM missile, Patriot and THAAD systems.
‘The amended FMS case would extend the funding to cover an additional three years,’ the State Department noted.
It added that the revised FMS order aligns with US Central Command (CENTCOM) planning and would support existing capabilities in the UAE to ‘deter and defend against hostile threats’ by maintaining the operational readiness of critical air defence systems.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have each suffered repeated missile and UAV attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Most recently, on 31 January, the UAE said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
-
![Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons]()
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
-
![Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion]()
Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
