The US Department of State has approved a possible USD2.1 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for Fixed Site–Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) capabilities and associated equipment, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced. The proposed package covers 10 FS-LIDS system-of-systems configurations, including 240 Coyote Block 2 interceptors, Ku-band Multi-Function Radio Frequency System (KuMRFS) radars, four-pack Coyote launchers, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders, and Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) systems. The sale also encompasses communications equipment, software, integration and test support, spares, training, publications, and long-term engineering, logistics, and maintenance services.
The FS-LIDS architecture integrates sensors, command-and-control, and kinetic interceptors to defeat Group 1–3 UAS threats. FS-LIDS is particularly important because it is not a standalone weapon but a layered fixed-site counter-UAS architecture designed to detect, track, identify, assign and engage low, slow and small aerial threats. The system combines radar coverage, electro-optical and infrared surveillance, battle management and kinetic interception into an integrated chain intended to reduce reaction time against small drones that can be difficult to detect with conventional air-defense systems. In practical terms, this means FS-LIDS is built to protect installations that cannot rely exclusively on higher-tier missile defenses optimized for aircraft, cruise missiles or larger threats.
Central to the system is the Coyote interceptor developed by RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies). The Coyote is a small, expendable unmanned aircraft launched from a containerised system, capable of autonomous operation and swarm employment. Raytheon then developed a Block 2 variant equipped with a jet engine, improving speed and loiter time to engage larger and further targets. The Coyote Block 2 features improved sensors and a turbine engine to increase speed to 345–370 mph (555–595 km/h). The Block 2 variant incorporates a turbine engine, improved sensors, and enhanced engagement performance, enabling higher speeds and extended reach against more complex targets. Designed for counter-UAS missions, it can engage threats at ranges of approximately 10–15 km and employs a proximity warhead to defeat small drones, with the ability to re-engage if the initial intercept is unsuccessful.
According to the DSCA, the US Secretary of State determined that an emergency exists requiring the immediate sale in support of US national security interests, thereby waiving the congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act. Washington assesses that the procurement will support US foreign policy objectives by strengthening the defensive capabilities of a key regional partner. The UAE is described as a contributor to political stability and economic development in the Middle East, and the integration of FS-LIDS is expected to enhance its ability to counter low-altitude unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats and protect critical infrastructure. The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Tewksbury, Massachusetts; Northrop Grumman, located in Huntsville, Alabama; and SRC Corporation, located in Syracuse, New York.
