In support of a commercial sale of 80 F-16 Block 60 aircraft, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 80 M61A 20mm Vulcan cannons with 80 Ammunition Handling Systems and 80 barrel sets. Also included are 20 spare barrel sets, maintenance and pilot training, software support, publications and technical documentation, U.S. government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $20 million.
This proposed sale, in support of a commercial purchase of 80 F-16 Block 60 aircraft, will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.
The proposed sale of the weapons will strengthen the effectiveness and interoperability of a potential coalition partner, reducing the dependence on U.S. forces in the region while enhancing any coalition operations the United States undertakes. The cannons will be installed on the commercially supplied fighters and will improve its fighter fleet. UAE will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of these weapons support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin of Fort Worth, Texas. Offset arrangements were negotiated between contractor and the UAE in conjunction with the 36(b) commercial sale.
The number of U.S. government and contractor representatives required in UAE to support the program will be determined in joint negotiations as the program proceeds through the development, production and equipment installation phases.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
