US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment
Boeing and Honeywell will be the prime contractors for the Chinook sale. (Photo: US Army / Sgt. Brandon Roland)
The US State Department has cleared two possible Foreign Military Sales for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to buy six CH-47F Chinook Block II extended-range (ER) helicopters and supporting equipment for a cost of US$1.32 billion and F-16 sustainment for $130 million.
The announcement came ahead of Trump’s tour of the Middle East this week, where possible defence procurements between the US and the UAE are in the line up to be discussed.
The CH-47F Chinook Block II extended-range (ER) helicopters will feature air-to-air refuel probe capabilities and have extended-range fuel tanks. Also included in the FMS are eight AN/AAR-57
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
-
Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition
Norway first scoped the requirement in 2022, and included it in a defence strategy document in 2023. The announcement of a new framework agreement appears to have breathed fresh life into the effort.
-
March Drone Digest: Long-range, low-cost loitering munitions are changing warfare economics
The effective use of the Shahed-136 in the Iran war has highlighted the need for countries to acquire a domestically produced, low-cost, long-range loitering munition, with the US, Turkey and European nations all at various stages of developing a similar capability.
-
US Air Force is eyeing cost-effective automated counter-drone solutions
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.