UAE Looking to Become a Regional C2 Leader

E-2C Hawkeye
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Link-16 network. (Sept 22/11)

On Dec 4/07, the US DSCA announced the United Arab Emirates’ official request for 3 used, refurbished E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft with radar and antennae. When combined with the UAE’s $9 billion request for Patriot missiles, and other recent initiatives, it would appear that the UAE is taking strong steps to beef up its defensive and surveillance capabilities.

Making that happen requires more than just planes. It requires extensive back-end systems that help turn information from platforms like the Hawkeye into a coherent whole, and allow command staff to direct battles based on that information. DID explains what happened to that Hawkeye sale, how it fits into a larger picture, and where things stand now, as the UAE continues its strong Command, Control, Computing, & Communications (C4) push…

• The UAE’s Quest for Hawkeyes
• Contracts & Key Events, 2002 – Present [updated]
• Additional Sources [updated]

The UAE’s Quest for Hawkeyes

The Persian Gulf
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The United Arab Emirates really is. After the British Royal Navy beat down activity along the “Pirate Coast” in the early 1800s, the “Trucial Sheikhdoms” signed a perpetual maritime truce in 1853. In the 1970s, the British withdrew their protection established by an 1892 treaty, and planned to form a single state that have included Bahrain, Qatar and the “Trucial Coast.” When that foundered, Bahrain and Qatar negotiated independence and the other 7 sheikhdoms/ emirates formed the UAE. Dubai is the best known, as it has become the ultra-modern trading hub of the Arab Middle East. Other emirates include Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras-Al-Kaimah, and Umm Al Qaiwain. Each emirate reserves considerable powers, including control over mineral, oil and gas rights and revenues.

Stable, British-allied Oman is the UAE’s nearest neighbor. Saudi Arabia also shares a major land border, but key connecting roads transit through Kuwait, and the desert geography on their border makes attack difficult even in a worst case scenario. The most likely threats to the UAE, therefore, are by air or sea – and aerial surveillance is also critical to overwatch of its port infrastructure and of the Persian Gulf.

The UAE is known within its region and beyond as a smart buyer, but some analysts like Anthony Cordesman have commented that the country sometimes has trouble digesting and consistently operating its defense acquisitions. Scramble adds that “The defense forces of the UAE have always been multi-cultural and they rely heavily on troop forces from other Arab countries and Pakistan.” Officers, however, are almost all UAE nationals. Almost all of the UAE’s combat air fleet is based out of Abu Dhabi, while Dubai hosts the core of its transport fleet. The air force is generally considered to be integrated, and some of its aircraft are under arrangements that station them at other bases. In formal terms, however, reference is still made to the “Dubai Air Force,” “Abu Dhabi Air Force” etc.

CN-235MP Persuader
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To the extent that the UAE successfully tackles these human integration issues, the next item on the priority list must be integrating forces of varying backgrounds and emirates into a single military force. If command relationships are clear, then communications systems at the micro level, and a common battle picture at the macro level, can go a long way toward achieving this goal. This is especially true for the UAE’s combat air force (primarily Mirage 2000-9s and F-16 E/F Block 60s), maritime surveillance assets (mostly helicopters, 4 dedicated CN-235MP Persuader aircraft were reportedly never delivered; Dash-8s MPAs were ordered in 2009 instead), naval forces (incl. the new Baynunah Class corvettes, with extensive communications capabilities), and ground-based anti-air missiles (Patriot PAC-3 on the way and will likely replace Improved Hawk, early-version Croatale and Rapier being replaced by Russian Pantsyr S1 systems, Swedish RBS-70 man-portable systems at the lowest end).

In 2002, the UAE had submitted a formal request for up to 5 Hawkeye 2000 aircraft, which sport new engines and propellers, improved electronics, and co-operative engagement capability that would let them share a common air picture with ships and ground-based radars. Northrop Grumman has confirmed to DID that no planes were actually sold, and a January 2006 Jane’s overview suggested that the UAE had shelved AEW plan in favor of unspecified improvements in “airborne command, surveillance and intelligence-gathering.”

AOC
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A USAF article may help to shed some light on what that means. Since April 2007, a US Air Force-led team has been training the UAE airmen in air and space control systems and procedures, with about 200 students enrolled in intermediate and advanced-level classes and simulations, working in a mini air and space operations center (AOC) built by the UAE. When classes conclude in December 2007, the top 20 or so students with the best English speaking skills will go through instructor training. All this is part of the UAE’s $7 billion F-16 E/F Block 60 purchase, and is undertaken in a separate facility because the US does not have an AOC classified access agreement with the United Arab Emirates¹.

That access could be on its way – or, the UAE could simply construct its own facility back home, once its personnel are adequately trained. Lt. Col. Don Finley, commander of the 705th Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, FL, has said that:

“We think they’re trying to be the leader of the GCC [DID: Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE] in command and control of air power.”

E-2 Hawkeye aircraft could be a cornerstone of that effort, using their air and sea surveillance capabilities to watch the border and provide a common air picture to the combat air force, missile units, and even maritime patrol assets. The UAE would be a new customer for the Hawkeye, which is currently in service with the US and French navies, and with Egypt (who recently moved to add 2 more), France, Japan, Mexico (ex-Israeli planes), Singapore and Taiwan.

The back end is critically important, however, if the UAE wishes to make full use the Hawkeye’s capabilities. Interoperable communications between aircraft like the E-2s, ground-based air defense units, maritime patrol aircraft, and Navy ships would be one starting point. A second option would be cooperation with American efforts via interoperability with US forces, who would in turn share elements of that common picture per an appropriate agreement defining sharing levels, joint access, et. al. A third option is indigenous central integration, such as air and/or maritime operations centers, though this also creates an attractive target and vulnerable point of failure if it’s the sole linchpin of interoperability. The unique capabilities of an AOC or A/MOC would certainly go a long way toward making Lt. Col. Finley’s prediction come true. Indeed, the UAE could wind up hosting the de facto AOC for the region, extending its communications and coordination links to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, et. al. and serving as a centrally-located GCC nerve center alongside similar American facilities.

With other acquisitions under its belt and AOC training almost complete, the UAE renewed its E-2C request in 2007 – albeit at more modest levels, leaving questions concerning key capabilities like Link 16 and Cooperative Engagement Capability. Nor was that their only key initiative…

Contracts & Key Events

E-2C+ Hawkeye,
wings folded
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Sept 22/11: The US DSCA announces [PDF] the United Arab Emirates’ official request to buy 107 MIDS-LVT/ LINK 16 terminals and associated equipment, parts, training and support. The compact MIDS-LVT assemblies would be installed on its F-16E/F fleet, as well as ground command and control sites, giving its air force a Link-16 network that would help UAE fighters share what they see with each other, and with related forces like American and Saudi AWACS aircraft, similarly-equipped allied fighters, etc.

The prime contractor is not set; this will be a competition between Data Link Solutions and ViaSat. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to the UAE, which will be negotiated if a contract is signed and the program proceeds.

Feb 28/11: The UAE hands its United Arab Emirates Command and Control System (ECCS) contract to Emiraje Systems LLC, a joint venture of EADS Cassidian & Emirates Advanced Investments group’s C4 Advanced Solutions. The ECCS system will become the UAE’s overarching Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) framework, federating, integrating, and coordinating existing systems. Phase 1 alone is worth AED 2.02 billion ($550 million/ EUR 400 million).

This will also be a major boost to Emiraje Systems, which was set up in 2009 with the aim of building an efficient and lasting advanced industrial capability in these areas within the UAE. Staff Brigadier Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Head of the ECCS Project Committee referred to this when he said that: ”...we are proud to protect the future security of the UAE citizens, not only through the ECCS Program, but beyond that through establishing a solid and recognized Defence integrator company in the UAE.” EADS Cassidian | Jane’s.

Feb 23/11: C4 Advanced Solutions receives an AED 887.7 million ($242.3 million, EUR 175.5 million) contract to upgrade the UAE military’s networks, and provide technical assistance. Jane’s.

June 16/10: EADS Defence & Security (DS), Emiraje Systems LLC (a partnership between C4 Advanced Solutions LLC and EADS Defence & Security SAS), and the UAE’s Khalifa University of Science, Technology & Research (KUSTAR) have signed a MoU for a collaboration program in Cyber Operations, which intends to become a resource for the Gulf Cooperation Council as a whole.

Among the various initiatives, a joint EADS/ KUSTAR Centre of Excellence will be created in the field of Cyber Operations, with particular emphasis on the protection of Critical National Infrastructure and Critical Information Infrastructure. Emiraje Systems LLC will facilitate the development of the Cyber Operations Centre of Excellence. EADS.

Jan 14/09: The Khaleej Times quotes General (Ret.) Khaled Abdulla Al Bu-Ainnain, the former commander of the UAE air force and now President of The Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA) defense think tank:

“This in no way means that all these countries [in the emerging nuclear arc] are hostile to the UAE. But we cannot be blind to the risks and threats involved in these countries arming with nuclear capabilities. We may even become victims of cross-fires between different countries. Suppose Israel or the US attacks Iran, we could be caught in between. Our rulers have been acutely sensitive to these realities and are in the process building up a robust air defence system for the Emirates…. It is the ‘system of systems’ involving early detection, separation, elimination and the complete command control…. We had the potential to buy these missiles ten years ago. But we wanted to develop the human resources from within the UAE so that our people will be put in command. We want to defend the country through our own people, and not through outsiders.”

This would also help to explain the developments reported in “Gulf States Requesting ABM-Capable Systems.” The Khaleej Times report adds:

“Meanwhile, Federal National Council Member Ahmed Shabib Al Dhahiri told Khaleej Times on Tuesday that an estimated $100 million budget has been earmarked for UAE Nuclear Authority, which will implement the country’s peaceful nuclear programme.”

As the Times reported, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco all confirmed their intent to begin nuclear power programs to the IAEA in 2006; the UAE and Tunisia were listed as possible additions. This announcement would appear to make the UAE program a certainty, adding further importance to strong C2 and surveillance capabilities.

Dec 4/07: The UAE modifies its request to 3 used Hawkeyes [PDF], not delivered to Hawkeye 2000 standard but with upgrades and refurbishments that include E-2C Group II Navigation Upgrade configuration, and 8 improved T56-A-427 Turbo Shaft engines to extend its range and cruise time vs. the standard T56-A-425s. The estimated cost is $437 million, and Northrop Grumman Aircraft Corporation of Bethpage, NY will be the prime contractor.

The UAE would also be contracting for Phased Maintenance Inspection, spare parts and repairs, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, tactical software and software laboratory, system software development and installation, testing of new system modifications, technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to the United Arab Emirates. The purchaser also requested industrial offsets, which will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor. The DSCA adds that:

“The United Arab Emirates needs the E-2C aircraft to develop an effective air defense network for its naval forces and to provide an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) surveillance and enhanced command, control, and communications capability.”

Sept 4/02: The US DSCA announces [PDF] the United Arab Emirates’ official request for The Government of the United Arab Emirates requested a possible sale of 5 refurbished/upgraded E-2C aircraft to the E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 standard including 5 AN/APS-145 radars, 5 OE-335/A antenna groups, 10 T56-A-425 engines, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, tactical software and software laboratory, system software development and installation, testing of new system modifications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics services and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $400 million.

Footnotes

¹ The real AOC at Hurlburt Field, which is located near Pensacola, FL, supports US Special Operations Command. At nearby Tyndall AFB next to Panama City, the 601st Air and Space Operations Center at Tyndall AFB belongs to the 1st Air Force. It provides air security and air sovereignty defense for the continental United States, planning, directing and assessing air and space operations for NORAD and the United States Northern Command. Source.

Additional Readings

• US Department of State – Background Note: United Arab Emirates

• Scramble – United Arab Emirates Air Force

• Anthony Cordesman – The Military Balance in the Middle East (Google book preview)

• Air University Library, Maxwell AFB, AL – Air Operations Centers. Bibliography and links last updated April 2005.

• DID Spotlight – Gulf States Requesting ABM-Capable Systems. Patriot missiles were just the beginning. The UAE in particular is modernizing its air defenses from the bottom all the way up to the top – and that top extends beyond Patriot missiles.

• DID – The UAE’s F-16 Block 60 Desert Falcon Fleet. They fly the world’s most advanced F-16s.

• US Navy Fact File – E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft

• Global Security – E-2C Hawkeye (aka “The Hummer”).

• DID FOCUS Article – E-2D Hawkeye: The Navy’s New AWACS. Also outlines the various upgrade sets and changes from E-2C to E-2D. Where the UAE variants end up will make a significant difference to their capabilities.

• DID – The Wonders of Link 16 For Less: MIDS-LVTs. Explains what Link-16 is, and why it matters.

• DID (March 2/09) – UAE adds Dash-8 Q300s for Maritime Partrol

• DID (May 19/08) – GCC C3 Market Projected at $9b from 2008-2015

• Northrop Grumman (Dubai Air Show 2007) – Northrop Grumman and the UAE: Meeting the Challenges of Modern Time

• Inside the Air Force, via Hanscom AFB Integrator (2007) – Air Force training United Arab Emirates Airmen to operate AOC

• Lockheed Martin Code One Magazine (Q4 2003) – UAE Air Force/F-16 Block 60. First deliveries took place May 5/05.