The United Arab Emirates is looking to spend upward of $9 billion to buy 288 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles as well as associated equipment and services, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) reported.

In addition to the PAC-3 missile sales, the UAE is seeking 216 Guidance Enhanced Missiles-T (GEM-T), nine Patriot Fire Units that includes 10 phased array radar sets, 10 Engagement Control Stations on trailers, 37 Launching Stations (four per fire unit), eight Antenna Mast Groups (AMG) on trailers, eight Antenna Mast Group (AMG) Antennas for Tower Mounts, AN/GRC-245 Radios, Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS, Export), Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Low Volume Terminals, generators, electrical power units, trailers, communication and support equipment, publications, spare and repair parts, repair and return, United States government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support, DSCA said.

Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Raytheon [RTN] are the prime contractors.

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 United States may undertake with the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates will have no difficulty absorbing these weapon systems into its armed forces. The proposed sale of these weapon systems will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of U.S. government or contractor representatives to United Arab Emirates. An in-country field office will likely be manned by one to four U.S. government personnel who will remain in country for an undetermined length of time. A total of 26 contractor personnel are expected to be in- country for an extended period for training purposes.

The UAE is also seeking to buy upgrades and refurbishments of E-2C aircraft as well as associated equipment and services, according to DSCA.

UAE has requested a possible sale of upgrades and refurbishment for three (3) used, excess defense articles (EDA) E-2C Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft with radar and antennae. These upgrades/refurbishments include E-2C Group II Navigation Upgrade configuration, eight T56-A-427 Turbo Shaft engines, Phased Maintenance Inspection, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, tactical software and software laboratory, system software development and installation, testing of new system modifications, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $437 million, DSCA said.

The purchaser requested offsets. However, at this time, agreements are undetermined but will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor, DSCA added.

Northrop Grumman [NOC] is the prime contractor.

The United Arab Emirates needs the E-2C aircraft to develop an effective air defense network for its naval forces and to provide an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) surveillance and enhanced command, control, and communications capability, according to DSCA.