US approves a $380mn FMS from UAE for 5,000 Joint Direct Attack Munitions

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - United Arab Emirates
 
 
US approves a $380mn FMS from UAE for 5,000 Joint Direct Attack Munitions
 
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $380 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency released on Nov. 5, 2015.
     
US approves a 350mn FMS from UAE for 5 000 Joint Direct Attack Munitions 640 001UAE Air Force will take delivery of more than 5,000 Joint Direct Attack Munitions
     
The United Arab Emirates requested approval to procure 3250 GBU-31V1 (KMU-556 JDAM kit) with 3250 MK-84/BLU-117 bombs, 750 GBU-31V3 (KMU-557 JDAM kit) with 750 BLU-109 bombs, 1000 GBU-12 with 1002 MK-82/BLU-111 bombs, 4,250 FMU-152 fuzes, and 216 GBU-24 tail kits (BSU-84). The sale also includes non-MDE related munitions items (fuzes and bomb components), sustainment, and support. The estimated total case value is $380 million.

"This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping the UAE remain an active member of the OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR) coalition working to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and as part of the Saudi-led coalition to restore the legitimate government in Yemen. These munitions will sustain the UAE’s efforts and support a key partner that remains an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," the DSCA said.

The proposed sale provides the UAE additional precision guided munitions capability to meet the current threat. The UAE continues to provide host-nation support of vital U.S. forces stationed at Al Dhafra Air Base and plays a vital role in supporting U.S. regional interests.

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km).

 

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