Emirates getting Predator XP offer

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The U.S.-made Predator XP, a simplified version of the unmanned aerial vehicle, is to be offered to the United Arab Emirates.

California's General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. said the offer will be facilitated through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with International Golden Group, a defense product and system supplier in the United Arab Emirates.

"GA-ASI's establishment of a working relationship with IGG represents a strategic commitment by both companies to help the (United Arab Emirates) strengthen its national security and protect critical infrastructure," said J. Neal Blue, chairman and chief executive officer of GA-ASI. "IGG's proven expertise in providing comprehensive defense equipment solutions to the (United Arab Emirates) marketplace is a strong complement to GA-ASI's leadership in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies."

Sales of GA-ASI's unmanned aerial systems were previously restricted by the U.S. government to NATO countries and other select allies. The Predator XP, however, has now been cleared for wider export.

The Predator XP exhibits the same physical dimensions, altitude, speed and long endurance as the original "RQ-1" Predator aircraft first flown by the U.S. Air Force. It carries the same ISR capabilities of the original RQ-1 and multiple, exportable sensors can be integrated into the aircraft.