The UAE has requested the purchase of six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, equipped with air-to-air refuel probe capability and extended range fuel tanks. The package also includes 16 T-55-GA-714A engines (12 installed, four as spares), 14 Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) devices with M-Code (12 installed, two as spares), and eight AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (six installed, two as spares).
Additionally, the sale will include 20 AN/ARC-231A communications security radios (18 installed, two as spares) and 20 M-240 machine guns (18 installed, two as spares). Non-MDE items incorporated in the deal include aircraft survivability equipment, radar warning receivers, laser detecting sets, communication equipment, and various support services.
The U.S. Department of State stated that the proposed sale aligns with the country’s foreign policy and national security objectives. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important regional partner,” the statement read.
The sale is expected to enhance the UAE’s ability to address current and future threats by extending its operational range. The UAE plans to use the helicopters for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and counterterrorism missions. “The United Arab Emirates is a vital U.S. partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the statement added.
The primary contractors for the sale will be Boeing Helicopter Aircraft Company, based in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and Honeywell Engine Company, based in Phoenix, Arizona. No offset agreements have been announced at this stage, but any such agreements will be determined in negotiations between the UAE and the contractors.
Implementation of the sale will require two U.S. Government and eight contractor representatives to travel to the UAE for up to 60 months. Their duties will include equipment de-processing, fielding, system checkout, training, and technical logistics support.
Source: DSCA.
