U.S. State Department OKs potential sale of C-17 aircraft support to UAE

Last updated on July 22nd, 2022 at 09:57 am

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of C-17 aircraft support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an estimated cost of $980.4 million.

The UAE embassy in the United States welcomed the State Department’s approval of the agreement for the potential sale of C-17 aircraft sustainment and related equipment.

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The UAE has been and continues to be a vital US partner for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, according to a release from the Pentagon’s Defence Security Co-operation Agency.

The C-17 fleet helped the UAE during the pandemic

The C-17 fleet has been the workhorse of the UAE’s Covid aid distribution efforts during the pandemic as it is one of the most flexible cargo aircraft. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of food and medicine. It can carry 128,100 kg.

The UAE has used the cargo plane to great effect as part of global efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. The UAE provided all necessary medical resources to address the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic by using the C-17 fleet.

In 2020, the UAE sent one of its C-17s to Ghana, an African country, carrying parts of a field hospital to support a United Nations mission protecting aid workers. During that time, UAE humanitarian aid helped many countries.

The C-17 fleet was also used in direct support of joint UAE-US security missions. The UAE and US Armed Forces regularly cooperate on operational missions.

UAE – US relationship

The US is the third country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE. Both countries support the world during difficult times. They work together to promote peace and security across the world. More than 40 UAE charities, foundations and government entities have provided humanitarian support to the world during difficult times.

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Recently, the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that the UAE is keen on bolstering cooperation with other countries in promoting peace and stability in the world.

In July, US President Joe Biden and UAE’s His Highness met during an event in Saudi Arabia. They discussed a range of regional and global challenges, which require close coordination between the two countries as strategic partners.

Recently, the UAE also helped Afghanistan after the destructive earthquake injured many people in the country. Under the directives of President His Highness, an air bridge carrying food and medical supplies started operating in Afghanistan to support people in need.

The contract for the potential sale of C-17 aircraft must be signed at the earliest as both countries want to establish peace in the world. The UAE used the C-17 fleet to help countries during difficult times. With more C-17 fleet, the UAE can provide support to more regions during difficult times. The sale of  C-17 aircraft can further strengthen the direct support of joint UAE-US security missions.