US approves Patriot sale to Saudi Arabia and THAAD sale to UAE
US set to deliver 300 Patriot GEM-T missiles to Saudi Arabia, pictured above is the Patriot missile system. (Photo: US Army)
Following Joe Biden’s visit to the nations last month, two possible missile deals have been approved with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles and related equipment.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested to buy 300 Patriot missiles at an estimated cost of $3.05 billion.
The value given is for the highest estimated quantity dollar value based on initial requirements, the actual value will be lower depending on the deal’s conclusion.
The US State Department released a statement on the sale, explaining: ‘These missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.’
The US currently maintains a policy of a ban on the sale of offensive weaponry to Saudi Arabia, due to criticism regarding the latter’s indiscriminate use of US weapons in their conflict against the Houthis resulting in high civilian casualties.
The State Department also announced its approval of a possible FMS to the UAE of 96 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System Missiles, THAAD Fire Control and Communications Stations and related equipment for an estimated $2.25 billion.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the GEM-T missile is capable of operating up to a 70km range and up to a maximum altitude of 24km. The minimum flight time is less than nine seconds and the maximum is three and a half minutes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
MIM-104E PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical ballistic missile (GEM-T)
More from Land Warfare
-
![French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet]()
French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet
The French Gendarmerie Nationale is continuing to field the Centaur internal security vehicle as it replaces the ageing Berliet VBRG fleet.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation
The new platforms being shown by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles offer reduced crew needs and upgraded firepower options to meet Italy's future heavy land forces requirements.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: KNDS Mobility outlines Celeris progress and work with Milrem Robotics]()
Eurosatory 2026: KNDS Mobility outlines Celeris progress and work with Milrem Robotics
KNDS Mobility’s Celeris system is the base for French Army Serval 4x4 lightweight multi-role armoured vehicle but has also been provided as a base for cooperation with other companies.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Rheinmetall launches new Caracal 6x6 variant]()
Eurosatory 2026: Rheinmetall launches new Caracal 6x6 variant
The new Caracal 6x6 is heavier and designed to deliver greater versatility, building on the 4x4 platform that is already established and on order in Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Boxing clever as companies offer containerised anti-drone solutions]()
Eurosatory 2026: Boxing clever as companies offer containerised anti-drone solutions
Eurosatory, as expected, is heavy with counter-uncrewed aerial systems and the first day of the show saw several systems unveiled, including two containerised projects to meet specific operational scenarios.
