The State Department has approved a possible $270.4 million deal with the United Arab Emirates for 300 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on March 8 of the foreign military sale (FMS).

The launch of an AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missile. Photo: Raytheon.
The launch of an AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missile. Photo: Raytheon.

“This potential sale will improve the UAE’s capability to meet current and future threats and provide an enhanced capability for its Air Force.  The UAE will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense,” the DSCA wrote in a statement.

UAE has also requested 40 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), 30 tactical guidance units and 15 CATM guidance units.

The prime contractor for the deal is Raytheon [RTN].