US mulls LAIRCM sale to UAE
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale of AN/AAQ-24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) equipment and logistics support to the UAE, it was announced on 24 February.
The estimated cost of the sale is $225 million.
The UAE has requested eight AN/AAQ-24 (V)N LAIRCM for its C-17 aircraft. Each C-17 aircraft configuration for the LAIRCM system consists of one LAIRCM system processor replacement; six AN/AAR-54 Ultra-Violet Missile Warning System sensors and three Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies. The request also includes spares.
Non-MDE items, such as user data modules, high capacity cards, smart card assemblies, control indicator unit replacements, repeaters, COMSEC key loaders, initial spares, consumables, support equipment, technical data, repair and return support, have also been requested.
The equipment will enhance the safety of the UAE's C-17 aircraft during resupply and humanitarian missions.
Boeing will be the prime contractor if the sale goes ahead, while Northrop Grumman will be the main sub-contractor.