The United Arab Emirates are close to finalising an estimated $7 billion deal with Lockheed Martin to buy an advanced missile defence system. It will be the first such export by the US firm. The UAE has been negotiating the acquisition of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), since late 2008, when the US defence department first announced the proposed sale. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, which is a key element of the Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS), designed to defend troops, allied forces, population centres and critical infrastructure. The weapon system is fully integrated and comprises five major components. These are launchers, interceptors, a radar, Thaad fire control and communications and specific support equipment. “We are very close to finalising documentation necessary to have a successful program for the UAE. This spring, the U.S. government will make an announcement," said Dennis Cavin, Vice-President, International Air & Missile Defence Strategic Initiatives for Lockheed Martin. The UAE is also currently considering a series of bids, including one from Lockheed Martin, on an integrated solution for air missile defence. For related stories, read our articles, Learjet 85: An innovation in aviation, US army unveil $4m Hummingbird spy plane and NASA reveals concept airliner designs for 2025