WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2016 - The 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 delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 23, 2016.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) requested a possible sale of eight (8) 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 (3) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA), six (6) Ultra-Violet Missile Warning System (UVMWS) Sensors AN/AAR-54, one (1) LAIRCM System Processor Replacement (LSPR). The sale includes spares bringing the MDE total to thirty-seven (37) GLTA AN/AAQ-24 (V)Ns, nineteen (19) LSPR AN/AAQ-24 (V)Ns, and seventy-four (74) 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.
This proposed sale enhances the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a partner country, which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
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. The UAE will have no problem absorbing and using the AN/AAQ-24 (V)N LAIRCM system.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, Chicago, Illinois. The main sub-contractor is Northrop Grumman Corporation of Rolling Meadows, Illinois. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
This sale includes provisions for one (1) FSR to live in the UAE for up to two (2) years. Implementation of this proposed sale requires multiple temporary trips to the UAE involving U.S. Government or contractor
representatives over a period of up to six (6) years for program execution, delivery, technical support, and training.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.