U.S. Approves $2.1B Counter-Drone System Sale to U.A.E. amid Iranian Attacks

The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates for Fixed Site–Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) and related equipment, with an estimated value of $2.10 billion.

According to an official statement, the U.A.E. has requested ten FS-LIDS system packages, including 240 Coyote Block 2 All-Up-Rounds, Ku Band Multi-Function Radio Frequency System radars, launcher systems, electro-optical and infrared cameras, AN/PYQ-10 key loaders, and Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control systems. The package also covers communications equipment, software support, training, maintenance, logistics services, and construction support.

The U.S. Secretary of State determined that “an emergency exists requiring immediate approval of the sale” in the national security interests of the United States, waiving the standard Congressional review process under the Arms Export Control Act.

The principal contractors for the program are RTX Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and SRC Corporation, all based in the United States.

The approval comes amid ongoing regional tensions. The U.A.E. defense ministry said on March 22 that Iran had launched 1,773 drones, 15 cruise missiles, and 345 ballistic missiles at its territory. The attacks follow recent unprovoked escalation involving U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on February 28.

FS-LIDS is designed as a layered counter-drone system for fixed-site defense. It integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, infrared surveillance, command and control systems, and kinetic interceptors to detect and engage low-altitude unmanned aerial threats. The system is intended to reduce response time against small drones that are difficult to detect using conventional air-defense systems.

At the core of the system is the Coyote Block 2 interceptor, a rail-launched system developed to counter small unmanned aircraft. It is designed for use against low-cost aerial threats, including one-way attack drones targeting infrastructure such as air bases, ports, and energy facilities.

The addition of ten systems and associated interceptors is expected to strengthen point-defense capabilities for critical infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, logistics hubs, and government installations.