An artist's impression of the Korean Air Defence System (MSAM).

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Tariq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, CEO of the Tawazun Economic Council, revealed that the UAE Ministry of Defence intends to acquire the Korean Air Defence System (MSAM), which will constitute a qualitative addition to the capabilities of the national air defence, explaining that the value of the deal may reach about $3.5 billion (about Dhs12.9 billion).

The MSAM system is considered one of the latest medium-range air defence missile systems and one of the most advanced in the world.

Al Hosani said, "We have reached very advanced stages in negotiations with the Korean side and are close to concluding a final agreement in this regard," explaining that "the two sides agreed to develop the system according to the operational requirements of the Air Force and Air Defence of the UAE."

He added that "this deal comes within the framework of the new scope of work of the Tawazun Economic Council, which is currently managing the procurement and contracts of the Ministry of Defence," stressing that "the Tawazun Council will continue to work with its strategic partners to enhance the country's defence capabilities and achieve strategic priorities in this field, as well as continuous development in the areas of advanced technology in a way that contributes to achieving the state's vision of building an advanced defence sector that serves future goals.