"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a
friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for
political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the agency
said. "This proposed sale supports the prior sale of the Block 60 F-16s to
the UAE."
Under the notification, announced by the Pentagon on Jan. 3, the UAE
would receive up to 200 JDAM tail kits, produced by Boeing. Other elements
of the sale included 224 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air
Missiles, 224 MK-84 2,000 pound general-purpose bombs, 450 GBU-24 Paveway-3
with MK-84
2,000 pound GPB, 488 GBU-12 Paveway-2 with MK-82 500 pound GPB, 1 M61A 20 mm
Vulcan Cannon with Ammunition Handling System.
Meanwhile, Kuwait has requested additional anti-tank missiles from
the United States.
The Bush administration has approved a Kuwaiti request for the TOW-2A
missile. The request called for up to $328 million worth of TOW
radio-frequency missiles as well as services.
The Pentagon said the proposed sale would reduce UAE dependency on the
United States. Officials said the UAE would have no difficulty absorbing
these additional munitions.
The principal contractors were identified as Boeing, Raytheon and
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Officials said the deal did not include
offsets.
"Several U.S. Air Force pilots and maintenance Extended Training Service
Specialists already in the United Arab Emirates are expected to remain for
the next five years and will be able to support this potential sale," the
agency said.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the
proposed TOW sale to Kuwait, a leading non-NATO ally of the United States.
Officials said Congress was not expected to object.
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national
security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major
non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for
political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," DSCA said on
Jan. 3. "Additionally, the proposed sale will demonstrate the U.S.
Government's commitment to our bilateral relationship."
Kuwait has requested up to 2,106 TOW-2A Radio Frequency missiles, 21
buy-to-fly missiles, 1,404 TOW-2B fadio frequency missiles, 14 buy-to-fly
missiles as well as containers and spare parts. Kuwait has employed the TOW,
manufactured by Raytheon, for the sheikdom's army.
"The proposed sale of additional TOW-2 missiles will fill an urgent
requirement to enhance the reliability of Kuwait's TOW missile stock as its
stocks of existing TOW missiles are nearing the end of their shelf life,"
the agency said. "The additional buy-to-fly missiles will be purchased for
test purposes. Kuwait, which already has TOW-2 missiles in its inventory,
will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles."