U.S. to Sell $2.9 Billion Drones to UAE

The US State Department announced ,on Friday, its plans to sell 18 advanced armed MQ-9B drones to the UAE in a deal valued at $ 2.9 billion, according to Reuters.

Nonetheless, the U.S. State Department might wait to formally notify Congress of the deal, noting that the formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales.

“As a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress,” a U.S. State Department spokesman told Reuters.

UAE is expected to receive the armed MQ-9B drones, which will be equipped with maritime radar, in 2024.

The step came in the wake of last week’s notification of a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to the UAE.

This is considered the first export of drones since the Trump administration reinterpreted a Cold War-era arms agreement among 34 nations to pave the way for US defense companies to sell more drones to allies.

UAE has long shown its genuine interest in purchasing drones from the United States, eager to be among the first customers in line after U.S. export policy changed this summer.