US approves potential $4.5 billion missile defence system sale to UAE

ABU DHABI: The United States has approved the potential sale of a missile defence system to the United Arab Emirates in a deal valued at up to $4.5 billion.

The proposed sale involves the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, one of the most advanced missile defence platforms in the US military arsenal. The system is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight, providing a critical layer of protection against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.

Details of the proposed deal

The US State Department gave its approval for the potential sale, which would bolster the UAE's defensive capabilities in a region that has witnessed heightened security tensions in recent years. The deal, if finalised, would represent a significant defence transaction between Washington and Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The THAAD system has been a cornerstone of US missile defence strategy and has been deployed in several allied nations. The UAE has previously acquired THAAD batteries, making it one of the few countries outside the United States to operate the sophisticated defence platform.

Strategic significance

The approval of the sale comes as Gulf nations continue to invest heavily in their defence infrastructure amid ongoing regional security challenges. The UAE, a key US ally in the Middle East, has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance its air and missile defence capabilities.

The THAAD system is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is capable of shooting down incoming missiles at high altitudes, well above the Earth's atmosphere. Its radar component, produced by Raytheon, is among the most powerful ground-based radars in the world, capable of detecting threats at extended ranges.

The potential sale must still go through the US congressional notification process, during which lawmakers have the opportunity to review and potentially block the transaction. However, defence sales to Gulf allies have generally received bipartisan support in Congress.

The $4.5 billion deal underscores the continued importance of US defence exports to the Gulf region and reflects Washington's commitment to ensuring the security of its partners in the Middle East through advanced military technology transfers.