UAE seeks $4 billion munitions for F-16 fleet
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested munitions and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support from the US government under a possible foreign military sale (FMS) worth a total of $4 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified US congress on 11 October of the request, which seeks the necessary munitions to support the UAE’s fleet of F-16 aircraft.
Specifically the UAE is seeking 5000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) with BRU-61 carriage systems; 8 SDB Guided Test Vehicles for aircraft integration; 16 SDB Captive Flight and Load Build trainers; 1200 AGM-154C Joint Stand Off Weapon (JSOW); 10 JSOW CATMs; 300 AGM-84H Standoff Land Attack Missiles-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER); 40 CATM-84H Captive Air Training Missiles; 20 ATM-84H SLAM-ER Telemetry Missiles; 4 Dummy Air Training Missiles; and 30 AWW-13 Data Link pods.
Additional storage, training, mission planning, transportation, tools and test equipment has also been requested.
If the FMS goes ahead Boeing and Raytheon will be the principal contractors.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons]()
Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
-
![UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms]()
UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
-
![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.
