US Approves $4.5B Missile Defense Sale to UAE

0:00Hey, it's Cory with the story, with Birmingham News today, your city, your news every day. The United States approved a $4.5 billion sale of missile defense systems to the United Arab Emirates in March 19, 2026. The deal covers a terminal high-altitude area defense, or THAD, radar, and command package made by Lockheed Martin. This emergency approval comes from the State Department as tensions rise in the region. This move happens amid the ongoing U.S. and Israel military actions against Iran, where the UAE has faced retaliatory strikes. The THAD system helps protect against short, medium, and intermedia-range ballistic missiles, both inside and outside the atmosphere. It expands defense coverage to a full 360 degrees around key areas. Officials say the sale strengthens the UAE's ability to handle current and future threats, which also aids American partners in the area. The UAE's forces can easily integrate the new gear.

1:01The package includes construction, training, spare parts, logistics, and support services. Lockheed Martin, based in places like Morstown, New Jersey, and Huntsville, Alabama, is the main contractor. The company calls THAD, combat-proven, and highly effective. Recently, they agreed with the U.S. government to ramp up production four times over, with regional conflicts showing no signs of letting up. These deal positions the UAE better for defense, while boosting U.S. industry ties.