The UAE has agreed a deal worth around AED6 billion ($1.63 billion) with Lockheed Martin Corp to upgrade F-16 jet fighters, a Defence Ministry official has said.
The Ministry’s order book during the first day of Dubai Airshow 2017 also included 11 new deals for international and local companies, including Abu Dhabi Aviation, Thales, Augusta Westland and Global Aerospace Logistics.
This was announced by Major General Abdullah Al Sayed Al Hashemi, Assistant Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and chairman of the Organisting Military Committee of the Dubai Airshow 2017.
He said that an AED197 million contract has been signed with Abu Dhabi Aviation to operate and manage a number of AW139 aircrafts for emergency medical service, search and rescue, disaster relief, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, fire fighting, maritime security and other government duties.
Another AED10 million contract has been awarded to Abu Dhabi Aviation to provide air transport services for military sites, he added, while a AED25 million has also been inked with Global Aerospace Logistics to provide technical and specialised support for the Patriot System Maintenance Centre.
The ministry also announced other deals, including AED66 million to US-based OTNA INC for Blu-109 ammunition and an AED35.1 million agreement with Thales Communications and Security to secure defence communications.
Another contract worth AED43.704 million has been signed with AgustaWestland to modernise aircraft while a deal with UAE Thales Advanced Solutions worth AED14.634 million to modernise a number of radar cabins and install radio systems was also signed.
“These deals reflect the UAE armed forces’ keenness to ensure high combat readiness,” he said.
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