UAE approved to acquire six CH-47F Block II helicopters

UAE Cleared for $1.32 Billion Purchase of CH-47F Chinook Helicopters and F-16 Support Package

The United States has approved a major arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), authorizing the possible sale of six Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters in a deal valued at $1.32 billion.The announcement was made by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), highlighting the UAE’s ongoing efforts to expand its operational range and military capabilities.

The state-of-the-art Chinooks will be delivered in a long-range version, with long-range fuel tanks and aerial refueling probes, greatly increasing the helicopters’ endurance. Comprehensive defensive systems, secure communications equipment, replacement components, logistical support and personnel training are also included in the package.

The UAE had previously used the Chinook platform prior to this acquisition. With this acquisition, the nation’s Joint Air Command will be able to expand and modernize its present fleet of 28 CH-47C+/F helicopters. The new helicopters will serve a variety of missions, such as counterterrorism activities, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and search and rescue, according to the DSCA. The agency affirmed that the UAE is well-positioned to integrate these new assets into its armed forces without difficulty.

In a related development, the DSCA has also cleared a separate $130 million sustainment package for the UAE’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets. This follows an earlier Foreign Military Sales case worth $40.9 million and includes spare parts, accessories, and logistical support to ensure ongoing operational readiness.

The United Arab Emirates’ F-16 fighter aircraft consists of 21 F-16F trainers and 55 F-16E aircraft for combat operations. These aircraft are specifically outfitted with state-of-the-art technology in the sophisticated Block 60 variant, including a dedicated infrared search and track sensor mounted in the nose and the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-80 AESA radar.

The United Arab Emirates’ dedication to preserving a highly skilled and sophisticated military is demonstrated by these combined military developments, which also highlight the close defense cooperation between the Gulf state and the United States.