WASHINGTON, Jul 29, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for AN/AAQ 24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) Systems and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $335 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 28, 2015.

The United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of four (4) AN/AAQ 24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) systems for its Head of State aircraft. The sale consists of: twenty (20) Small Laser Transmitter Assemblies, ten (10) System Processors, and thirty (30) AN/AAR-54 Missile Warning System sensors. The sale also includes Control Interface Units (CIU), Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules (SAASM), Classified User Data Module (UDM) cards, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, repair and return, Group A and B installation, flight test and certification, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $335 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve 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.

This proposed sale of DIRCM will help provide protection to the UAE’s Head of State aircraft. DIRCM will facilitate a more robust capability against increased missile threats. The sale of this advanced system will enhance the safety of the UAE's political leadership while bolstering U.S.-UAE relations. The UAE will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company in Chicago, Illinois; and Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale provides for one Field Service representative to live in the UAE for up to two years. Also, implementation will require U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to the UAE for up to 6 years to conduct program execution, delivery, technical support and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.