Abu Dhabi, May 12 (IANS): The US State Department has approved a sale of 160 missiles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an estimated $2 billion, the US Defense Department said in a statement.
The sale includes 60 Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missiles with canisters and 100 Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) missiles, the statement said on Thursday.
"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by improving the security of an important ally which has been, and continues to be, a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," said the statement.
The Defence Department said that the proposed sale will enhance the UAE's capability to meet current and future aircraft and missile threats, adding that the sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region".