Qatar
and the United Arab Emirates have asked to buy more than $7.6 billion
in US missile defense technology, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
The orders for the Lockheed Martin-made equipment were detailed in documents posted online late Monday by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which said it had notified Congress of the request.
Qatar
has requested two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) fire
units, 12 launchers and 150 interceptors, as well as radar units, other
equipment, spare parts and training, all worth an estimated $6.5 billion.
The
UAE has asked for 48 THAAD missiles and nine launchers, as well as
spare parts and training, for a total of $1.135 billion, according to a
second filing.
The THAAD system is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, including those carrying weapons of mass destruction.
The
Pentagon recommended both proposed sales, saying the technology would
strengthen regional security and reduce both states’ dependence on US
forces.
Qatar, the UAE and other petroleum-rich Gulf states have eyed nearby Iran with increasing concern in recent years amid mounting tensions over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.
The
United States maintains a large military presence in the Gulf and has
sold billions of dollars worth of arms in recent years to Saudi Arabia
and allied Gulf states.
In December 2011 the United States signed a nearly $30 billion deal to sell F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in a move likely aimed at countering Iran.
By RIA Novosti on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
India and Russia have signed two contracts for the delivery of Russian antitank missiles, a source close to the Indian Defense Ministry told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
The source confirmed that these contracts had been signed, but declined to give any details.
Local media reports have suggested that Russia will deliver 25,000 Invar missiles for India’s T-90 tanks and 10,000 Konkurs antitank missiles, worth an estimated $240 million.
Citing sources in the Indian government, local media earlier reported that India would buy 10,000 Invar missiles from Russian manufacturers and that a further 15,000 missiles will be manufactured under license in India.
Former Army Chief Gen V K Singh said in March that some units had only three or four days of tank
