The US State Department announced that it had approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and related equipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an estimated cost of $1.32 billion.
“The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested to buy six (6) CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters with air-to-air refuel probe capability and extended range fuel tanks,” the US State Department said in a statement.
Among the related equipment included in the sale are firefighting equipment, ballistic armor protection systems, air worthiness support, spare and repair parts, communications equipment, personnel training and training equipment, site surveys, tool and test equipment, ground support equipment, repair and return, as well as publications and technical documentation.
According to the US State Department, the 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.
Boeing and Honeywell will be the principal contractors for this possible sale.
“The United Arab Emirates is a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the department said.
According to the department, implementation of this sale will require an estimated two US government and eight contractor representatives to travel to the UAE for up to 60 months for equipment de-processing, fielding, system checkout, training, and technical logistics support.
“There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale,” the department stated.
The announcement coincided with US President Trump’s state visit to the Middle East, which began in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
