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United Arab Emirates THAAD

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 9, 2008 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) Fire Units as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $6.95 billion.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates requested a possible sale of 3 Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) Fire Units with 147 THAAD missiles, 4 THAAD Radar Sets (3 tactical and one maintenance float), 6 THAAD Fire and Control Communication stations, and 9 THAAD Launchers. Also included are fire unit maintenance equipment, prime movers (trucks), generators, electrical power units, trailers, communications equipment, tools, test and maintenance equipment, repair and return, system integration and checkout, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements.

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 proposed sale of the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a potential coalition partner, reduce the dependence on U.S. forces in the region, and enhance any coalition operations the U.S. may undertake. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing this weapon system into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this weapon system will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor was Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation in Sunnyvale, CA and the sub-contractor was Raytheon Corporation in Andover, MA. The purchaser requested offsets; however, at this time, agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor. The United Arab Emirates does not desire a government support presence in its country on an extended basis. A total of 66 contractor logistic support personnel could be stationed in United Arab Emirates for extended periods. Additional training and major defense equipment personnel may be in the United Arab Emirates for short periods of time, not to exceed 24 months. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale was required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress 02 November 2012 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 48 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.135 billion. The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 48 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles, 9 THAAD launchers; test components, repair and return, support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related logistics support.

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. This proposed sale will help strengthen the UAE’s capability to counter current and future threats in the region and reduce dependence on U.S. forces. The proposed sale of these missiles and equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation in Sunnyvale, CA and Raytheon Corporation in Andover, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the UAE. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale was required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

THAAD’s combat use has proven a mixed bag, with the system reporting its first combat kill in January 2022 against a Houthi ballistic and cruise missile and drone barrage, but failing to intercept all enemy projectiles, which set infrastructure at Abu Dhabi’s airport on fire and destroyed three oil tankers near a military base hosting US, French and Emirati troops. Abu Dhabi’s possible dissatisfaction with the THAAD’s performance may have prompted it to purchase an undisclosed number of Rafael/Israel Aerospace Industries-made SPYDER short-to-medium range air defense systems from Israel.