he U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has taken a significant step to ensure the continuity of the United Arab Emirates’ ballistic missile defense capabilities. Within this framework, a contract modification worth $142.6 million has been awarded to Lockheed Martin Space to support the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries currently in service with the UAE. The agreement was executed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

According to the official contract notification, the modification covers comprehensive sustainment activities aimed at keeping the THAAD systems at a high level of operational readiness. The scope of work includes logistics management, maintenance of logistics product data systems, training support, repair and refurbishment of missile and ground systems, hardware and software upgrades, long-term sustainment efforts, and a wide range of engineering services. In addition, missile field surveillance programs and customer-specific engineering support tailored for the FMS partner are also included.

The THAAD system is a U.S.-developed missile defense solution designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase using hit-to-kill technology. THAAD plays a central role in the layered missile defense architectures of the United States and its allies and is operated by U.S. forces as well as a limited number of international partners.

The United Arab Emirates became the first international customer of THAAD nearly a decade ago, marking a milestone as the Missile Defense Agency’s first FMS client for the system. The UAE was also the first country outside the United States to receive THAAD and the first to conduct operational engagements with the system, underscoring its pioneering role within the program. Information released by Lockheed Martin highlights that the UAE achieved several “firsts” throughout its involvement in the THAAD initiative.

Lockheed Martin delivered the first THAAD battery to the UAE in October 2015. This delivery established THAAD as a cornerstone of the country’s missile defense architecture. At the time, the UAE already operated Patriot PAC-3 air and missile defense systems. With the integration of THAAD, the country developed a more robust, layered defense structure capable of countering a wider range of ballistic missile threats.

The latest contract modification is intended to preserve and enhance this layered defense architecture. Continuous maintenance, logistics, and engineering support will ensure the availability of the THAAD batteries, the readiness of interceptor missiles, and seamless integration with other air and missile defense assets, thereby maintaining the UAE’s high level of defensive preparedness.