UAE Scud Missiles

The UAE acquired six Scud-B launchers and some 38 Scud-B missiles from North Korea. In 2004 the United States had discussions with the UAE looking towards supplying the UAE with ATACMS rocket systems, in exchange for the UAE disposing of its Scud capabilities.

The removal of SCUDS from the UAE would be a "good news story" for the US Congress, and would eliminate another former customer in the Middle East for North Korean weapons, contributing to American efforts to cut off one of the North Koreans' important sources of hard currency to build up their nuclear weapons program. The transfer of the SCUDs was originally tied to the UAE's acquisition of ATACMS/HIMARS. However, by early 2004 the non-competitive price of the ATACMS no longer made it a viable option for the UAE.

In 2002 the UAE forwarded a request to the US to procure unarmed Predator B UAVs. The Emiratis believe this system will provide the UAE with much-needed capability to survey and defend its long, porous coasts, islands, and inland borders. The US was unable to meet this request due to MTCR considerations, UAE intended to pursue a foreign co-production offer, and by 2005 South Africa, Jordan, Russia, France, and China had entered into discussions with the UAE on this proposal. By January 2005 the UAE position was that the UAE government will look favorably on releasing the 38 SCUDs it now owned to the USG, when the US looked favorably on releasing to the UAE the Predator B system.

By 2006 expected defense outlays for 2005-2008 included the impending purchase of 20 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and 780 complementing Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rounds, at an estimated cost of $800 million. In response to the UAE Government request for a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) package, valued at US$650 million, U.S. Liaison Office (USLO) presented an LoA to the UAEG on July 1, 2007. The UAE had until 01 September 2007 to accept the offer. The HIMARS would afford the UAE a counter battery capability against a ballistic missile threat. In mid-2007 The UAE signed the HIMARS Letter of Offer and Acceptance for counter battery, a case valued at $597 million.