The White House will sell the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone to the UAE, Reuters reported. The sale, which is expected to be worth about US$2.9 billion, will cover 18 drones.
The UAE has long shown an interest in the purchase of UAV from the United States and will be among the first customers to procure the platforms after Washington changed its export policy on drones.
Platforms will be delivered to the UAE in 2024 if Congress approves the sale of the MQ-9B, which provides air support for armed patrols in the air and when urgent needs are needed.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)