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| General Atomics to Sell Unarmed Predator Drones to Foreign Countries - US News |
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| Predator XP | Military Edge |
The State Department notified the House and Senate foreign relations committees on Feb. 6 that it’s prepared to license the export of eight Predator drones and associated equipment, such as electro-optical and infrared sensors, valued at $220 million, according to two U.S. officials with knowledge of the letter sent to lawmakers.
While the drones would be unarmed, a separate transaction would include laser designators that highlight ground targets for attack, according to information provided by the officials, who asked not to be identified before the approval is announced.
The unarmed Predator XP model made by San Diego-based General Atomics would be the third major U.S. defense system the U.S. has sold the U.A.E., one of its closest allies outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The State Department this month approved its first policy for selling unmanned aircraft, including armed versions of General Atomics’ Predator and Reaper drones.
The congressional committees have 30 days to review the proposed transaction with the U.A.E. Unless they move to block it, the way will be clear for the direct sale between the company and the country that was announced in 2013. The committees already have approved an informal notification, so it’s unlikely they will oppose the final step.
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