Lockheed Martin Awarded +$900 Million Order for PAC-3 Missiles for UAE, Taiwan

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ATACMS missile fired from HIMARS rocket launcher. Such vehicles are currently operational with Bahrain and reportedly have been delivered to the UAE. Photo: Lockheed Martin

On December 20, 2010 the Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin an order worth over $916 million for the delivery of 226 ‘tactical missiles’ and 24 launcher modification kits, plus logistical support to be delivered under Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the UAE and Taiwan. Defense Update was informed the acquisition relates to PAC-3 air defense missile systems.

Both countries embarked in 2008 on large scale acquisition of PAC-3 missile systems, investing over US$3 billion each in an air and missile defense system bolstering their preparedness  against ballistic missiles threats. The UAE is seeking defense form Iranian missile attacks while Taiwan is bolstering its defenses against potential attack from mainland China.