US approves Patriot sale to Saudi Arabia and THAAD sale to UAE
US set to deliver 300 Patriot GEM-T missiles to Saudi Arabia, pictured above is the Patriot missile system. (Photo: US Army)
Following Joe Biden’s visit to the nations last month, two possible missile deals have been approved with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles and related equipment.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested to buy 300 Patriot missiles at an estimated cost of $3.05 billion.
The value given is for the highest estimated quantity dollar value based on initial requirements, the actual value will be lower depending on the deal's conclusion.
The US State Department released a statement on the sale, explaining: ‘These missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.’
The US currently maintains a policy of a ban on the sale of offensive weaponry to Saudi Arabia, due to criticism regarding the latter's indiscriminate use of US weapons in their conflict against the Houthis resulting in high civilian casualties.
The State Department also announced its approval of a possible FMS to the UAE of 96 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System Missiles, THAAD Fire Control and Communications Stations and related equipment for an estimated $2.25 billion.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the GEM-T missile is capable of operating up to a 70km range and up to a maximum altitude of 24km. The minimum flight time is less than nine seconds and the maximum is three and a half minutes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
MIM-104E PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical ballistic missile (GEM-T)
More from Land Warfare
-
![Aselsan has started producing Akkor active protection system for Altay tank]()
Aselsan has started producing Akkor active protection system for Altay tank
Akkor is an active protection system (APS) developed by Aselsan, equipped with both hard- and soft-kill functionalities. It provides protection against antitank missiles and rockets for armoured vehicles and is designed for Turkey’s Leopard and Altay tanks.
-
![Fering Pioneer X moves towards production]()
Fering Pioneer X moves towards production
The Pioneer X long-range vehicle has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,500kg, of which 1,850kg is payload and the lightweight carbon chassis can be fitted with various top modules to suit requirements. In addition, there is the potential for a 6x6 version with increased volume and payload.
-
![NP Aerospace brings life to Jankel as others eye it as Land Mobility Programme partner]()
NP Aerospace brings life to Jankel as others eye it as Land Mobility Programme partner
NP Aerospace took over Jankel’s contract to supply and support Belgium’s Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) fleet after acquiring Jankel Armouring’s assets.
-
![Lessons from Ukraine are complex, say forces’ leaders]()
Lessons from Ukraine are complex, say forces’ leaders
The Ukraine war has provided impactful videos on social media, namely the sight of small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) bombing or attacking vehicles and soldiers. This has, however, been overstated and the basics of warfare and effects remain unchanged, according to leading military personnel.
-
![Thales targets requirements with Xtraim digital weapon sight and reveals that thousands have already been sold]()
Thales targets requirements with Xtraim digital weapon sight and reveals that thousands have already been sold
The sight can be used by soldiers wearing night-vision goggles if required and has an all-in-one architecture that combines conventional red-dot and thermal imaging technologies.
-
![US Army to launch hunt for new artillery]()
US Army to launch hunt for new artillery
The search will look at existing artillery with an acknowledgement that a large part of the effect from the weapons comes from the munitions used.
