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World Defense & Security News - United Arab Emirates
 
 
UAE orders LAIRCM countermeasures systems for its C-17 aircraft fleet
 
The United States State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) equipment, and logistics support. The estimated cost is $225 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated on Feb. 24, 2016.
     
UAE orders LAIRCM countermeasures systems for its C 17 aircraft fleet 640 001An UAE Air Force C-17 Globemaster III strategic military transport aircraft
     
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) requested a possible sale of eight AN/AAQ-24 (V)N LAIRCM for the UAE’s C-17 aircraft. Each C-17 aircraft configuration for the LAIRCM system consists of the following major defense equipment (MDE): three Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA), six Ultra-Violet Missile Warning System (UVMWS) Sensors AN/AAR-54, one LAIRCM System Processor Replacement (LSPR). The sale includes spares bringing the MDE total to thirty-seven GLTA AN/AAQ-24 (V)Ns, nineteen (19) LSPR AN/AAQ-24 (V)Ns, and seventy-four UVMWS Sensors AN/AAR-54. The sale also includes the following non-MDE items: Control Indicator Unit Replacements (CIUR), Smart Card Assemblies (SCA), High Capacity Cards (HCC), User Data Modules (UDM), Repeaters, COMSEC Key Loaders, initial spares, consumables, support equipment, technical data, repair and return support, engineering design, Group A and Group B installation, flight test and certification, U.S. Government manpower and services, and Field Service Representatives (FSR). The total estimated value of MDE is $82.664 million. The total estimated program cost is $225 million.


"The proposed purchase of LAIRCM to provide for the protection of UAE’s C-17 fleet enhances the safety of UAE airlift aircraft engaging in humanitarian and resupply missions. LAIRCM facilitates a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats," stressed the DSCA.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, Chicago, Illinois. The main sub-contractor is Northrop Grumman Corporation of Rolling Meadows, Illinois.