WASHINGTON — Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have asked to buy US missile defense technology worth more than $7.6 billion, 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. Lawmakers now have 30 days to block the potential sales although such action is rare since deals are carefully vetted with lawmakers weeks before the notifications are posted. 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. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met GCC officials in September and US officials said initial missile-defense sales could be announced soon. Washington has been working with Gulf states on a bilateral basis, not as a group, to boost the range of radar coverage and related capabilities across the Gulf for the earliest possible defense against any missile threat. — Agencies
