The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of Javelin Guided Missiles with support for an estimated cost of $102 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 24, 2019.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Troy Mole, section leader, Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, fires a shoulder-fired Javelin missile during Exercise Bougainville II on Range 20A, Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, May 15, 2019. (Picture source U.S. DoD)
The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested to buy three hundred thirty-one (331) Javelin Guided Missiles with container. Also included are System Integration & Checkout (SICO) service; Field Service Representative; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering and logistics support services’ tools and test equipment; support equipment; publications and technical documentation; spare and repair parts; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cash value is $102 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of an important partner that has been, and continues to be, a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This sale is consistent with U.S. initiatives to provide key partners in the region with modern systems that will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and increase security.
The proposed program will enhance the UAE’s capability to meet current and future enemy threats. The UAE will use the capability as a deterrent to regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. The UAE previously procured Javelin missiles and will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.
The prime contractor will be is Raytheon, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The Javelin is a portable anti-tank weapon manufactured jointly by U.S. companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Javelin. It is mainly an anti-tank guided missile that can also be installed on tracked, wheeled or amphibious combat vehicles.
The Javelin missile has a maximum firing range of 2,500m. The missile achieved a higher range of 4,750m during a demonstration in February 2013. The Javelin missile's tandem warhead is a HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank )type. This round utilizes an explosive shaped charge to create a stream of superplastically deformed metal formed from trumpet-shaped metallic liners. It can penetrate armor from 600 to 800 mm.
