US approves sale of 160 missiles worth $2 billion to UAE: Pentagon

The UAE government has requested the possible sale of 60 Patriot missiles with canisters and 100 Patriot guidance enhanced missiles.

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of 160 missiles to the United Arab Emirates for an estimated $2.0 billion, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 21, 2015 shows US troops from the 5th Battalion of the 7th Air Defense Regiment as they emplace a launching station of the Patriot air and missile defence system at a test range in Sochaczew, Poland. (AFP)

The UAE government has requested the possible sale of 60 Patriot missiles with canisters and 100 Patriot guidance enhanced missiles, among other military equipment, according to a Department of Defense statement.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States 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,” it said.