US Approves Sale of F-16 Support Package to UAE

The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of approximately $130 million worth of F-16 fighter jet maintenance and support equipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sale was notified to Congress today by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

F-16 Logistics Support Expanded

The UAE government has requested additional F-16 spare parts, components, accessories, and logistics and program support in addition to an existing sales agreement. The sale will be added to a previously declared military sales agreement (FMS) valued at $40.9 million, which was below the notification threshold.

Within the scope of the first sale;

Common munitions test programming equipment (CMBRE),

Ammunition support systems,

Equipment and spare parts for night vision devices,

Software, technical documentation, transportation and field studies,

Both classified and general engineering and logistics support services were included.

With the new addition, the total sales value will reach $130 million.

US to Provide Reinforcement Support to Strategic Ally

US officials say the sale will strengthen the defense capacity of a strategic partner in terms of America's foreign policy and national security. The statement emphasized that the UAE is an important force in terms of political stability and economic development in the Middle East.

It was stated that the sale would not change the regional military balance, and that the UAE would be able to seamlessly integrate these equipment and services into its armed forces.

No Offset Agreement and Additional Personnel Assignment

There is currently no main contractor company for the sale and it was announced that an offset (subsidiary industry cooperation) agreement is not foreseen. In the event of such an agreement, these details will be clarified in the future through negotiations between the buyer country and the contractor.

Additionally, this sale will not require the deployment of additional U.S. government personnel or contractors, and no adverse impact on U.S. defense preparedness is expected.

The announced quantities and values ​​for the sale reflect maximum estimates prepared based on initial needs. Actual amounts may be lower depending on final contract and budget authorization.