The U.S. State Department has aproved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Patriot PAC-3 and GEM-T missiles at an estimated cost of $2bn.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on 10th May. 

The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested the possible sale of 60 Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missiles with canisters and 100 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) missiles. 

According to the U.S.-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), the UAE possesses the most advanced missile defence assets in the Gulf region. It was the first country outside the United States to deploy a THAAD battery and the first GCC country to deploy the Patriot PAC-3. The U.S. also deploys two Patriot PAC-3 batteries to the UAE.

MDAA describes the UAE as a key American partner in creating an integrated Gulf Missile Shield.