US to provide UAE with long-range missiles

An American military contractor has obtained a contract to supply the United Arab Emirates with tactical long-range surface-to-surface missiles.

Ken Musculus, the vice president of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, announced the multi-million-dollar deal on Wednesday.

“ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) has unsurpassed surface-to-surface capability,” he said, adding, “It is extremely reliable and proven in combat, which is why it continues to be our customers’ choice for long-range strike requirements.”

The guided surface-to-surface missile, with a range of up to 300 km, is fired from a guided missile launch pad.

The Persian Gulf Arab state, which is one of the world’s top five arms importers, has signed large weapons deals with the United States in the recent years.

UK-based IHS Jane’s, an intelligence provider to militaries, governments, intelligence agencies and industries, has predicted that Abu Dhabi will double its spending on military imports in 2015.